Finals on the agenda for the Young Lions

All three grades look like they will feature in the finals and the Lions are undoubtedly the most successful football club in Young this year.

The Witness spoke with players from all three grades to get their perspective on the season so far.

Ray Mitchell – Third grade 

Q) Why do you think the team is playing so well? 

At the halfway point in third grade, we have eight wins from eight games. The team is exceeding expectations with its ability to learn and play for each other each week.  As a player within the team, I believe that we are playing so well because the group of young boys that we have brought through want to play each week, they want to make the starting side, and of course, they are striving to earn first grade positions. 

Q) What is different from last season?

Last year the soccer club only had one senior team.  This left a gap in the progression from junior to senior.  Juniors around the 15 to 17 age had no other competition outside the local junior competition.  A plan was devised from the committee to grab a few older heads such as myself, and others to play third grade with juniors.  The idea was simple – the older players would guide the juniors around the park, teaching them how to be physical and to make better decisions off the ball as seniors is a lot quicker than juniors.  

Q) Do you think you will play finals?

We are in prime position to play finals.

Q) Do you think the team structure will give the club ongoing success in the years to come or do you think that 2018 is just a bit 'special'?

With over 350 juniors, the plan can remain for seasons to come.  Identified juniors between 15-17 can play third grade and move towards first grade when around 18 when the current playing group goes to uni etc.  

Brad Galvin- First grade captain

Q) Why do you think the team is playing so well?

We had a really good off season and started training earlier, also the younger boys who played last year have stepped up and are far better for playing last year. We also have had a lot more structure and meaning to our play thanks to (Coach) Mark Mellish.

Q) What is the difference from last year?

New coach, harder training and everyone is closer to the pace of first grade.  Also we have had nearly the same 16 players each week turn up and play in games.

Q) Now you have seen all the teams do you think you’ll play in the finals?

Yes, there is maybe two or three teams that have worried us at the back, but come finals time we will be around the mix.

Q) Do you think the team structure will give the club ongoing success in the years to come or do you think 2018 is special?

I think we will only get better, I think we have a special bunch of juniors from 16-18 coming through right now, they are only going to make each other better over the next couple of years.  I think a title is more realistic in the next couple of years. But we are definitely in the mix this year.

Alex Mitchell – First grade 

Q) Why do you think the team is playing so well? 

The team is going into every game looking for three points.  We are playing to each other’s strengths and we are all doing our job on the pitch and doing it well.

Q) What is different from last season?

Last season was our first season playing as a senior team and we were still learning about each other.  This year we have that knowledge and are really working well as a team with a year under our belt.

Q) Now you have seen all the teams play do you think you’ll play in the finals?

I believe we are strong contenders for finals as we have been matching it with the top teams this year.  We have had two bumps but we are still a relatively young and inexperienced team but I believe we will continue to improve with every game and make the finals.

Q) Do you think the team structure will give the club success in the years to come or do you think that 2018 is just a bit special?

I believe that the club will continue to have success as we are improving each year and trying to unlock our potential.  2018 is not a special year, the club will now continue as next year we should be even stronger after two years experience.

Jemma Long – Women’s team

Q) Why do you think the team is playing so well?

I think that our pre-season training went really well and we have a group of young girls that are very keen to play the game. The team we have this year gets along well which always makes a big difference in the game.

Q) What is different from last season? 

We have a full team registered and are always able to bring a bench of subs to each game which helps the girls knowing that they can play hard and there is someone to give them a break. We have a young team of talented girls who have a passion for soccer.

Q) Now you have played all the teams do you think you'll play in the finals?

I believe we can if we are able to keep playing and improving the way the girls have been. 

Q) Do you think the team structure will give the club ongoing success in the years to come or do you think that 2018 is just a bit 'special'?

I think the team will have ongoing success for the next few years as we have a youthful team. 

Calum McCaffery- First grade

Q) Why do you think the team is playing so well?

We have more experience and better structure this year.

Q) What is the difference from last year?

Playing for each other, buying into the team spirit of the club and our younger ones have experience.

Q) Do you think you’ll play in the finals?

We will definitely be there this year. This season is special as it’s the beginning of our club culture and it is a new era for the club.