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Semester Summary
After 17 games, the Fury are sitting at the bottom of the table on 15 points, having managed to only win 3 matches so far. The side started the season well, holding Robbie Fowler’s new side, Perth Glory, to an exciting 3-3 draw, followed by a 2-1 win over last seasons Champions, Sydney FC. With results like these, hopes were high for the club, however the failure to convert draws into wins meant that the supporters had to wait until Round 10 to see their side get three points again, beating the Glory 2-1. Most recently the Fury were able to claim all three points against their Queensland rivals, Gold Coast United in a well-fought 2-1 win however the side were not able to repeat their performance against the Newcastle Jets, going down 2-0 at home.
Areas of Excellence
Fury’s home-ground, Dairy Farmers Stadium, the appointment of Franz Straka as head coach, and the loyal supporters base have all been brilliant for the club. So far this season, the Fury are averaging crowds of over 4800, and their supporter base is growing each week. On the park, David Williams, Mark Hughes, Isaka Cernak and Justin Pasfield have all been standouts. All have either signed contracts with a new club or are rumoured to be on their way out soon.
Areas in need of improvement
Consistency. The club needs to work on turning their 1-0 losses into draws, and work on turning their draws into wins. Fitness is another problem which has been identified with the club, with most players looking exhausted by the 60th minute. Finally, like all A-League clubs, advertising will be the only way to bring people through the gates, Townsville is a good spot to have a club, and in an ideal world, if half the players from Gold Coast were wearing green, I’m certain we would see crowds of 7000+ each week.
Top Students
3rd Place – Justin Pasfield. After years of sitting on the sidelines, Pasfield has found himself as first choice goalkeeper, doing the best he can having kept 1 clean sheet.
2nd Place – Mark Hughes. This goal scoring defender has knocked in 3 goals this season in 17 matches. He has been solid at the back and is rumoured to be targeted by Sydney FC and other a-league sides.
1st Place – David Williams. Having scored 5 goals in the last 17 matches, Williams earns the right of being crowned Fury’s top student. Having already represented Australia at Joeys, Olyroos and Socceroo levels, Williams is sure to be one of the players targeted by Holger Osieck for more Socceroo games.
Class Clowns
Isaka Cernak, Justin Pasfield and Chris Payne for signing contracts with Melbourne Victory, Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets respectively mid-season, and then advertising that they are moving on at the end of the season. Many have labeled these three as traitors and there is even word that there will be a burning at the stake. Other clowns include Adam Casey who continues to impersonate a footballer when he really spends all his time on the physio table.
Grade
D-
Outlook
Most likely will stay bottom of the table, battling against Perth Glory for wooden spoon honours. If the FFA decides to keep the Fury around, and the club is able to keep Franz Straka as head coach, they should do okay next season.