CORMAC Molloy said it was both very easy and very hard to say ‘yes’ when offered the chance to join ACE.
The central defender, pictured with ACE coach Steve Glockner, had been at The Gap for eight years, most as captain and loved every season.
But he is ambitious and at the age of 32 wants to ‘win something’ with what he considers the ‘best team in the league’.
“Every year I hoped we would win something at The Gap,” said Cormac, who came to Australia in 2011 from Ireland.
“In the last two years I felt we have been close. ACE have set the benchmark. We were just a couple of players short of that.
“I had offers every year, but never considered them and stayed at The Gap because I loved the club.
“It was hard to leave, but I want to win a league and grand final. This year, when ACE came in … well, they are the best team in the league. Winners for the last two years.
“It was really easy to say yes, but difficult as well. I rang The Gap coach Mark and told him and he was very understanding. He said I was going to a club which was well run, sophisticated and a winner.”
Coach Steve Glockner said Cormac was “good on the ball and brings leadership, guidance, good communication and instruction from a deep position, which is going to be very beneficial”.
But Steve also warned the commanding defender there are no guarantees. Cormac said: “I know I have to work hard pre-season to get in the team and work hard in the season to stay there.
“You’ll hear plenty from me on the park and off. I like to help people, try to look after the boys, help them if I can. I love doing that.”
Cormac has only played for two clubs in his career, the first being St Michael’s in Tipperary. “I love them and still support them,” he said.
He arrived here from Ireland on Australia Day 2011 and admits he didn’t know what Australia Day was! “There were cheaper flights that day, but I didn’t know why,” Cormac said.
“I initially came for a year to see what it was like. My then girlfriend, now my wife and two kids later … we’re still here and Australian citizens!”
