Chris Maher has swapped Perry Park for Wolter Park and joined Moreton Bay United with personal and team targets in his sights.
The 28-year-old can play in defence (usually right side) or midfield but also brings a wealth of experience with him from time at Brisbane Strikers and Lions.
“Royce wanted me to come in and help the young players here who are keen to play and do well,” said Chris, “.... to help them around the field a bit.
“It’s something I’m more than happy to do and with only having a few years left in the NPL, I also want to be part of making the top four and finals.”
Coach Royce Brownlie is delighted to have such versatility in his squad next season. “Chris won’t just come in as a right back,” said Royce, “he’s a midfielder/right back.
“When he was at Lions, Souths, originally at Strikers … he was a defensive and attacking midfielder. He was box to box. He brings wealth of experience to drive us forward and help organise.”
The move to 16kms north from Perry Park also ticked many boxes for Chris.
“Royce told me about the training sessions they do and it’s something which would suit me with my personal life and working full time,” he said.
Chris teaches HPE and Science at Murrumba Secondary College, where he is also football co-ordinator with number of Moreton Bay United juniors in the program.
“Playing against Moreton Bay this year, they were a good side, they had good players and I liked the way they played,” Chris said.
“I think I am a very attack-minded. Where ever Royce may want me to play, full back or midfield, it is attack minded.
"That said, I worked hard on one-versus-one defending this year and was happy with that.
“But against Moreton Bay United, whether with Lions or Strikers, they were always tough games … but enjoyable.”
Chris did, however, admit with a smile the worst was being in the Strikers team beaten 2-1 by Jordan Farina’s late winner in the 2015 Grand Final against Jets!