Coolangatta’s Michael Wise is this week’s AP Cup player of the week.
Michael Wise has made an immediate impact since transferring to Coolangatta last month.
The former Southport midfielder kicked three goals in the Blues’ romping win over UQ on Saturday, and was one of the side’s best throughout the day.
As well as strong finishing skills, Wise provided plenty of run in transition and poise with the ball in hand.
But it’s what he has brought to this club off the field that is just as significant as his on-field contributions.
At 30, Wise has taken on a mentoring type role in the young Blues side, a position that he really relishes.
“When they spoke to me to come to the club, Dougie (Coolangatta coach Daniel Hawkins) put an emphasis on being a leader,” he said.
“I really enjoy taking on that role for most of the young guys and focus on their development.
“Having played in the QLD comp for so long, I just use my experience from all the coaches that I played under to help players develop their game.”
With work commitments playing a major role in his decision to transfer from the Sharks, Wise said the atmosphere at Coolangatta had been a really positive one.
“Dougie’s put a great emphasis on really supporting the blokes in the team and it’s been a lot more enjoyable to play and to train.”
Wise said that positive environment had manifested itself in a strong team performance against UQ at Chelmer last weekend.
“The way we played, we’ve been pushing for that for the last couple of weeks and it’s really come to the fore and something we’ve been striving for,” he said.
“That kind of game really lifts the morale in the team.”
In the twilight of his footy career, Wise said he hadn’t thought much about his future, but regardless of whether he keeps playing, he hopes to stay involved in footy.
“I just take it as it comes but I’m really liking the role at the footy club at the moment,” he said.
“I’d like to stay involved in any level whether it be at the state level or in the SEQ competition.”
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