'Family bond' key to Thunder's dedication

Strong bond helps Thunder women through difficult season

UNDER PRESSURE: South West Queensland Thunder midfielder Lana Styler (right) takes on the Gold Coast United defence. Picture: DSL Photography

FOOTBALL: The South West Queensland Thunder women are less of a team and more of a family.

It's part of the reason why players like Lana Styler turn up every week despite the difficulties this NPLWQ season has presented.

"We're all very close, we are like a family,” the centre midfielder said.

"You want to do your best for the team and we are all very supportive of each other.

"I love being part of it all and sharing my experience.

"I also think we have so much potential.

"In recent seasons we've produced some really good results.

"And there is some real talent among the younger girls here at the Thunder.

"We just have to pull it together for longer periods on the field.

"That's why I love being part of it all.”

Styler is also driven by her desire to compete and improve her skill set.

"I love testing myself against the best players - I love the challenge,” she said.

"When I was in school I played every sport I could.

"Basketball, soccer, any type of running and I was always very competitive.

"Once things started to get expensive I had to make a choice - I decided to focus on soccer.

"I played most of the time with West Wanderers before I joined the Toowoomba Raiders because I wanted that extra challenge.”

A torn right quad sidelined Stylerr for a year before she joined Willowburn and then the Thunder.

"In the time that I was recovering from my injury Raiders folded. I played with Willowburn before I joined Thunder, this is my fourth season now.”

The Thunder play host to Mitchelton today at Clive Berghofer Stadium - a side Styler is confident they can be competitive against.

"We lost 3-1 to them last time we played,” Styler said.

"I think we're a good chance. We weren't at our best against them but we were still competitive.

"Hopefully we can produce a good performance.”

Originally published as 'Family bond' key to Thunder's dedication