Gold Coast Knights not content with 2019 NPL success ahead of Round 1 clash with Brisbane Strikers

They tasted grand final glory in their maiden NPL Queensland campaign but the Gold Coast Knights insist their journey to the top has only just begun.

THEY tasted grand final glory in their maiden NPL Queensland campaign but the Gold Coast Knights insist their journey to the top has only just begun.

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Not content with a debut season in which they finished runners-up for the premiership before beating Olympic in September’s 2019 finale, the Knights will set out on a new quest when they open their 2020 charge against Brisbane Strikers at Perry Park tonight.

While Lions FC will chase a third-straight title, Knights midfielder Roman Hofmann said Grae Piddick’s side was desperate to end their reign – and create their own dynasty.

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“Winning the grand final last year was just the start for us,” the 25-year-old said.

“We did have the goal of winning the premiership and making FFA Cup Round of 32, which we fell short of. We definitely have that in the back of our minds, everyone wants to do those things this year.

“We have set the bar pretty high but we’ve got the personnel and staff to do that. The main thing (from last season) was the start that we had.

Gold Coast Knights midfielder Roman Hofmann with new recruit Guilherme Desouza. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We had a couple of draws and wins that were unconvincing so during pre-season Grae has reiterated that we need to start strong. We’ve had a really good pre-season, results have all been good.

“We’ve kept the core of our squad, which was key. All we had to do was add in a few boys and they’ve come in and gelled really well.”

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The Knights finished four points adrift of Lions last season, while they fell one game short of reaching the FFA Cup Round of 32 after a shock 5-1 loss to Brisbane Strikers.

Oskar Dillon and Sam Smith headline a group of six players who have departed the Croatian Sports Centre in the off-season, with Emlyn Wellsmore, Rhys Lambert, Guilherme Desouza, Matthew Henvey, Paul O’Brien and Jheison Macuace taking their place.

Mitch Nichols in action for the Knights last season. Picture: East End Digital

And with former A-League title winners Mitch Nichols and Matt Smith still steering the ship, Hofmann said the playing group was primed to build on their 2019 efforts.

“Not only does (playing with them) make you get up for the trainings, they’re good men in general. They offer advice, they don’t look down on you because they’ve been at a higher level,” he said.

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“I’ve been impressed by Matt Henvey. He’s a young striker and he’s got an eye for goal.

“I’ve been impressed with Emlyn as well. Being a young boy, it can be a bit tough coming in but he’s done well.”

NPL ROUND 1 FIXTURES

■ Saturday 6.30pm - Brisbane Strikers vs. Gold Coast Knights at Perry Park

■ Sunday 6pm - Olympic vs. Gold Coast United at Goodwin Park