South West Queensland Thunder show vast improvement

The Chronicle ranks SWQ Thunder’s biggest strengths in 2020

UNDER PRESSURE: SWQ Thunder’s Jordan Tucker (left) closes down Logan Lightning’s Guilherme Santana. Picture: Nev Madsen

FOOTBALL:

Ahead of the South West Queensland Thunder men’s FQPL semi-final The Chronicle is looking at the five things they’ve done right this season.

Impact subs

Coach Ivor Prasad wasn’t afraid to make substitutes this season. More importantly though was the fact Prasad made changes designed to alter the course of the game. Prasad rarely made “like for like” substitutions, instead he chose players that swing the game further in his side’s favour rather than maintaining the status quo.

Built from the back

Everyone loves to watch attack-minded free-flowing football, but four goals on the board mean nothing if you concede five. Only two teams – minor premiers Logan and Rochedale – conceded less goals this season. The Thunder’s high pressing defence has caused headaches for opposition attacks as well as providing the first step in some quality counterattacking goals.

Shared the goals

The Thunder have three players – Brodie Welch, Anthony Grant and Joseph Scott – in the top 10 FQPL goalscorers list. Midfielders Pasquale de Vita and Veco Serugo also provided 13 goals between them making the Thunder a threat right across the park.

Player signings

The SWQ Thunder have always had a solid core in their starting 11, depth however has always been an issue. With the help of assistant coach Nic Rundle, Prasad has built a squad laden with talent and adaptability. The squad is also a healthy mix of talent, potential and experience. In a great sign for the future of the club they were also able to attract a number of Thunder juniors back to the senior side. The pair also bought in some of the Toowoomba Football Leagues best talent and in doing so they strengthened the team’s connection to the community.

Passionate coaches

The SWQ Thunder committee deserves praise for this one. The decision to bring in Prasad and former TFL premiership winning coach Rundle as his assistant coach was a masterstroke. Both have strong ties to the region’s football and general communities. It’s also clear the pair are committed to shaping the club for long-term success.

Originally published as South West Queensland Thunder show vast improvement