While club president Heinrich Haussler was slightly disappointed by the loss, he was also very proud of Joeys FC’s progress so far and announced the inclusion of a German player and co-coach for the team next season.

From its inception, Haussler had always said the club’s aim was to win the minor premiership within five years, and this year the Joeys achieved that goal. 

One goal conceded by the Joeys on the weekend was the one scored during the first half of the game by Oxley Vale Attunga that won them the game.

“Stephen Gadd and Daniel Ferris talked to the boys at half-time, the boys lifted and it was a terrific game in the second half,” Haussler said.

“Daniel Ferris hit the post three times and Stephen Gadd had one on the cross-bar that bounced out of the goal.

“Their goal-keeper had three or four magic saves, absolutely magic saves. How he got them, I have no idea. Our goal-keeper had a very, very good game too, and on both sides the keepers were outstanding players.”

Now Haussler sees the future of the Joeys as far bigger for the coming seasons.

“We have a very, very established player coming from Germany to join the Joeys,” Haussler said.

“A player who holds a coaching licence as well, so he can give Stephen Gadd a hand, and I think the team will look in very, very good stead for next year.

“This player is a play maker who can set up our players in the back or the front. I was talking to Daniel Ferris, who didn’t really say he wanted to retire, but I think this will keep him running on the paddock for another year.”

Haussler said he hoped the team would push for some more good players and push for more than the minor premiership next year.