Words: Michael Fynn

Western Pride have confirmed young talents Daniel McHenery and Jacob Minett as their latest signings as the club’s squad continues to take shape.

McHenery, 18, returns to the squad for a second season, while Minett, also 18, has been recruited from Olympic FC.

The versatile McHenery, who made ten appearances for Pride last year in an injury-hampered campaign, is seen as a strong re-signing for Graham Harvey’s side, who continue their pre-season preparations against Capital League Two outfit Ipswich City on Saturday.

McHenery is a product of the Queensland Academy of Sport and previously came to the attention of New Zealand representative teams, training with the Under 17 side in recent years.

Born in Auckland, he said he remains hopeful that good performances in 2016 will keep him in contention for further representative opportunities later this year including New Zealand’s Olympic Games squad.

“I just keep trying to strive to get to the next level and if that is the next level then I want to be there,” he explained.

“With (former Pride goalkeeper) Bon Scott being selected last year in the (Australian) Under 20’s squad it gives you motivation that it is possible by playing in the NPL.”

“It’s about keeping your head down and working hard and if you do the work you can be rewarded for it as some of the boys showed last year.”

He added that Pride’s focus continues to be on providing opportunities and developing players rather than eyeing a top four finish.

“We’re not so much looking at where we finish the season, it’s about growing the club and improving ourselves and taking it week by week,” he concluded.

Minett made his senior debut in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland last season against Pride and his hopeful of becoming a regular contributor at his new club this season.

“I trained with the seniors at Olympic but only got a limited opportunity. I want to be involved in as many games as possible with the first team (at Pride) and start as much as I can,” Minett explained.

“But we have a strong squad - we’re all young, we’re all hungry and we’re all pushing and we can hopefully push each other to improve as the season progresses.”

Minett will also coach Pride’s Under 12 Boys team and be part of Pride’s Skills Acquisition Program and coaching clinics.

Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 16
Western Pride FC v Ipswich City FC
Briggs Road Complex, Ipswich
Kick-off at 7:00PM