Power’s new target in ‘four-some’ season

Peninsula Power could add another trophy to this season’s remarkable haul on Sunday, when A-League Brisbane Roar arrive at AJ Kelly Park, kick-off 5pm, for the annual Dolphin Community Shield clash.

Roar currently hold the shield and will be using the match as an important part of their preparations for the A-League season.

Should Power lift the trophy they will add it to the four NPL Queensland Premierships already sitting in the club’s trophy cabinet.

Power cut

The chance of a grand final appearance slipped away on Saturday when Power lost 4-1 at home to Lions in the semi-final and had two players sent off.

“It was disappointing,” said Power President Craig Feuerriegel, “the boys did the best they could but obviously it is hard against a team like Lions when you are a man down.

“But this has still been a very, very successful season. One of our best. We are the Premiers of Queensland’s top competition.”

Extremely happy

Coach Aaron Philp paid tribute to his squad: “I’m extremely happy for the players,” he said.

“It has been a long season since last November, but they have worked really hard and deserve everything they have achieved.”

Last year Power had 13 wins in their first 14 games but finished third. This season they were nine points off top spot after seven rounds, but eight successive victories gave them the title by five points.

“Last year we had a lot of injuries. This season we’ve had good strength in depth,” said Philp, “there have been tough matches, but the players have stuck to the process.”

Leaving it late

Those include dramatic winners after the 90^th minute (Moreton Bay United 4-3, Brisbane Roar 3-2) and an equaliser (Gold Coast United 1-1) in injury time.

“Sometimes it’s not how you start, but how you finish,” said Philp.

Craig Feuerriegel, who has been president since Power was formed in 2000, said: “The key has been consistency. To be premiers you need to consistently win games.

“We lost the first game (away at Easts) back after COVID. I think there was a bit of sole searching and we recognised what was needed to be successful.

“We started this year aiming for the top four (in the NPL Qld). Then the top two. To meet those targets we needed consistency.”

Key signings

Recruitment has played a key role in Power’s success, with the likes of Danny Mchenery and Cameron Crestani bolstering the defence and Andrew Pengelly supplying crucial goals.

“We lost our top scorer when Dean Briggs went back to England and needed goals,” said Feuerriegel, “Andrew struggled a bit with injuries, but has been an excellent signing.”

Pengelly played his first match on August 2 and finished with 13 goals in the last 14 games – despite not playing the full 90 minutes until his sixth outing.

Power’s juniors also dominated in winning their Development Leagues. The Under 13 Boys and Under 14 Boys won Premierships without dropping a single point!

The Under 15s had 10 wins and a draw in 11 games, while the Under 16s were runners up with one defeat. Collectively the four teams had 38 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat in 42 games.

Changing times

It is a far cry from the day in 1992 when Feuerriegel joined Margate, which merged with Redcliffe City to form Peninsula Power in 2000.

“The biggest change (in that time) has been the professionalism of the club,” said Feuerriegel.

“It’s not easy to change from community players to top competitions and still be a club that welcomes players of all levels.

“But that’s what we want to keep doing - looking after all our teams.”

Planning ahead

Planning for 2021 has been under way for some time. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes,” said Feuerriegel.

Powe has admitted to the NPL Qld women’s competition for 2021 – with Olympic, Brisbane City and Virginia - returning to the league it won in 2017.

“Women’s football is massively important, especially with the World Cup coming here in 2023,” says Craig Feuerriegel.

“Interest in the women’s game is going to be at a very high level and we needed to provide a pathway for girls to the highest level.

“The NPL said our application was very, very good and we have a number of announcements coming out about signings and coaching appointments.”

Cup coming back

Power was in the NPLW for three years, from 2015-17 before joining the Brisbane Women’s Premier League, winning the Grand Final last year.

All indications are the FFA Cup will return next year and Power will host their usual pre-season tournament early next year which will have all NPL teams.

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