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Wolves' goalkeepers playing for keeps

22 Aug, 2008 04:00 AM
Don't let the photo fool you - Wollongong FC keepers Justin Pasfield and Michael Turnbull are good mates, despite a week-in, week-out rivalry to win coach John Turner's nod.

Neither will know who will take the gloves for Sunday's semi-final against Sutherland until the end of training tonight.

As he has all season, Turner will leave it until the end of the Wolves' final pre-match session to name the team - with the outfield settled, the only mystery is who will be in goals.

Such a policy has been a major talking point during the season, and for the past six matches Turner has varied his choice week-to-week.

Pasfield earned the nod for the qualifying final against Sydney United, but Turnbull played in the premiership-deciding game against the Sharks three weeks ago.

The duo are no strangers to the situation - they shared the goalkeeping duties at Sydney United in 2006.

With the Wolves' togetherness on and off the pitch a factor in their successful run, has the jostling for one spot harmed team chemistry?

"There's nothing (antagonistic) between Michael and I, business is business," Pasfield said.

"We have a laugh and a joke at training."

Turnbull, who signed with the Wolves in June, said the Wollongong squad was one of the most closely knit he had played in.

"We work hard at training and on the field, but the guys get on really well away from the field too," Turnbull said.

"The media pump it up, there's no animosity between us."

Pasfield admitted it had been frustrating to not be playing consistently after a strong start to the season that led to him trialling for a spot on the Olyroos team for Beijing.

"We have done this in the past," Pasfield said.

"I'm not used to not playing all the time."

However, Pasfield is hopeful of retaining his spot for Sunday's all important clash.

"Last week, I was sharp at training and really happy with the way I was training," he said.

"It means a lot to me, playing this game with the boys," Pasfield said.

Naturally, Turnbull would like to reclaim the first-choice spot for the Sutherland match.

"At the end of the day its John's decision," Turnbull said.

"Its a massive game, the biggest of the season and John will pick the guy he thinks will suit the opposition.

"I just want the team to do well, the team's success is more important to me than personal success."

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Wollongong Wolves goalkeepers Justin Pasfield and Michael Turnbull. Picture: ROBERT PEET
Wollongong Wolves goalkeepers Justin Pasfield and Michael Turnbull. Picture: ROBERT PEET
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