Despite suffering a shock loss to Bond University in last week’s QWFA Division 1 Semi Final, it’s been a great season for newcomers Aspley.
The Hornet’s impressive teamwork saw them finish on top of the ladder.
Coach Jacob Simmons-Bliss says creating an environment of support and fostering a place where players want to be, is the key to their success.
“One thing I’ve learnt along the journey, is coaches need to show how much they care towards their players,” Simmons-Bliss said.
“Especially with female athletes. They say, they don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.
“You must show a lot of support and then they will really buy into what you have to say,” he said.
Simmons-Bliss is extremely proud of his players, who are always wanting to learn.
“The girls picked up on the coaching they’ve received, have put that into place and have had a really successful season” he said.
To Simmons-Bliss, the most pleasing element has been the way his new plyers combined with the experienced, to play great footy.
“Having 14 wins, it’s almost a highlight every week. There was been some key games that have been a sign of where we are heading as a football club,” he said.
“The fact that we have remained super competitive among all oppositions is fantastic.”
Their winning streak came to an end Bond University last weekend. Despite putting in a valiant effort, almost managing to claw back a 30-point deficit and steal the win, the team just fell short.
“On game day, we didn’t deliver the effort required to compete in the contest in the first half,” said the coach.
Aspley are hungry to redeem themselves, however, it won’t be easy for them, with a clash against Yeronga standing in the way of their grand final hopes.
Aspley understand that Yeronga is a quality side, but they are focused on playing their game of football.
“We want to play our style of football for a little bit longer than what they play their style for,” said Simmons-Bliss.
“We require all 22 players to stand up and apply some competitiveness in the contest from the first bounce.”
“This team, because they are so proud, will not make the same mistake as last week.”
But the club is going to have to dig deep, after losing six of their best players for this weekend including leading goal kicker for the competition, Monica Allen.
Nevertheless, they are living by the motto, ‘there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’.
“Yes, it would be nice, to have the best team out their but we don’t have that luxury this weekend so the girls must fight hard and work together, which I know they’re capable of,” said the coach
Aspley take on Yeronga in the QWFA Division 1 Preliminary Final at Leyshon Park at 2:30pm this Saturday, with the winner to meet Bond University in the grand final.
Zoe Nilsen
