Bulldogs Secure Top Keeper Ahead of NPL Return
Image supplied by Football Federation Australia
Capalaba FC has shored up its goalkeeping ranks in readiness for the return of the National Premier Leagues season by confirming the signing of highly-decorated gloveman Michael Weier for the remainder of the campaign.
The 23-year-old has returned to his home state from Victorian high-flyers Hume City after their NPL season came to a grinding halt for the remainder of the year due to continuing COVID restrictions.
However, Hume’s loss is set to prove a huge gain for the Bulldogs, after Weier collected a bag of honours during his stint in Melbourne – including consecutive NPL Victoria Goalkeeper of the Year awards and winning the Dockerty Cup knockout competition.
He also boasts plenty of success in his native Queensland after twice winning the NPL Queensland Premiership title with Brisbane Strikers prior to his switch south.
Weier said he is eagerly awaiting his return to competitive football with the Bulldogs when the NPL resumes later this month.
“The situation in Victoria is unfortunate but I didn’t want to be sitting on my hands for the rest of the year. I am eager to play,” Weier explained.
“I know a lot of the boys at Capalaba and been watching them while I was down in Victoria and you can sense the passion the players and the supporters have for the club.”
“I can’t wait to be part of that and I will be looking to help the team out in any way I can.”
With a history of personal and team success behind him, Weier says he feels the Bulldogs have the potential to be well in the fight for finals football over the coming months.
“Hopefully I can help the boys push for the top four. I think there is a really good mix of experience and talent in the squad – I think it is certainly doable.”
Bulldogs Head Coach, David Booth, is delighted to add Weier to his in-goal options ahead of a rapid-fire series of fixtures over the coming months due to the compressed season schedule following the COVID break.
“Obviously his quality will strengthen our goalkeeping ranks along with Kurtis (Goodwin),” Booth said.
“He is still young but he has really good experience from playing in the top division in Melbourne and he is strong guiding the team from the back and is just a really good goalkeeper.”
Booth said strengthening his squad prior to the season restart should be viewed as a signal of intent from the Bulldogs for the remainder of the year.
“As a team we don’t want to just to take part in NPL, we want to put our stamp on the competition. We worked hard to be here and now we want to stay here,” he concluded.
The Bulldogs will resume their NPL season at home to last year’s Grand Finalists Olympic FC on Saturday week.