Sean Lewis, the most successful captain in ACE history, has re-signed for a fifth successive season in the red and black.
The commanding defender is the last link with coach Steve Glockner’s first match in charge and will now lead ACE into a new era.
Having lifted three Premiership trophies, two Club Championships, a Grand Final and Canale Cup (pictured) in four years, ACE will be in Queensland’s third tier, the FQPL, in 2022.
“We’ve had some successful seasons, very successful seasons, but I’m really excited about playing in the new competition,” said Sean.
“It’s a chance for us to tread some heads and move up to the next level.
“Last season was incredible, going right through unbeaten. Even an NPL side like Gold Coast United (three tiers higher) needed penalties to beat us.
“But I think next season is going to be harder (than the BPL) against the likes of Taringa, Grange and Surfers Paradise.”
It will be a challenge, but one Sean reckons ACE is ready for.
“But, to be honest, as the years roll on, the boys have got better and better,” he said, “we’ve had young players come through and do really well.
“Players like Harry Royley, see how he’s come in and grown into a very important part of the team. He’s one of our leaders.”
It is a far cry from the day, almost five years ago, when Sean was on Norfolk Island and took a call from the new ACE coach, Steve Glockner.
Steve had tried to sign Sean, then playing for Mitchelton, when coach at Easts, but the deal fell through. This time he was successful and Steve had his first signing for ACE.
Sean flew down and pulled on the red and black shirt at North Pine, in the first pre-season match with then new coaching team Steve and Alex McMillan in charge.
“Steve said it’s (ACE) a great club,” recalled Sean, “he said I’d like to have you here and basically told me, I will piece together a good team.”
“He had a vision and has stayed good to his word. Each year Steve’s added key pieces which have raised the level of the club to what we have today.”
