THERE’S only one title that matters to ACE coach Steve Glockner each season – the Premiership – and his team could win it again tonight.
ACE are in the box seat at Wolter Park to lift the Brisbane Premier League crown for a second successive season.
They lead second placed Toowong by three points with a superior goal difference, meaning the visitors must win by seven goals or more.
Form is in ACE’s favour being unbeaten in 14 games, winning 11 including a 9-0 victory at North Pine last Saturday, when Ryan Shaughnessy scored four times.
Shaughnessy also leads the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot with 19 goals from Josh Cartman (The Gap) on 17, Sho Koto (Bayside) 15, Ally Russell (ACE) and Juan Jaimes (Acacia Ridge) 14.
However, ACE have also only conceded three goals in the last seven games. Toowong have let in 11 goals in winning their last seven games.
“Our defence has been very good this year,” said coach Steve, “our captain Sean Lewis has made a great partnership with Yuya Ono at the heart of our backline.
“But there are another eight players I could mention who have been integral to how strong our defence is.
“We will keep doing the same things (on Saturday) that have got us to this point. Nothing needs to change. Our focus and attitude have been excellent.”
The premiership is also the yardstick by which Glockner – who will coach ACE with assistant Alex McMillan for another two years – will judge this season.
“The premiership is the only thing that is important to me,” he said, “I’ve grown up with a European football heritage that only understands Premierships.
“Whereas Grand Finals are more important in AFL and Rugby League, it’s much harder to be the best and most consistent team over 22 games than to have a good or lucky run in two or three at the end of a year.”
The ACE coach has few injury worries entering today’s game and also paid tribute to the Reserves, who are bidding or a second successive premiership, also against Toowong, today.
“The reserves have had another strong year,” said Steve, “they have been well coached by Cris and Jason, hopefully they can get a win on the weekend to ensure a second Premiership.
The Brisbane Club Championship is also being decided today, also between ACE and Toowong. Their collective points have ACE two ahead – 97 to 95. ACE are defending all three crowns.
