North Queensland defender Karl Dodd says he has found a new lease on life and football since signing with the Fury for their inaugural Hyundai A-League season.
The 28-year-old admits he was close to walking away from the game while playing with the Wellington Phoenix on a two-year deal.
But after his contract wasn’t renewed earlier this year, he found his way to the Fury and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’m really starting to enjoy my football again,” said Dodd.
“I suppose it always helps with the boys we’ve got here and playing with Robbie Fowler.”
“The passion up here suits me a lot more, there’s something about being a Queenslander.”
Dodd has played every minute of the Fury’s six games so far this season.
He’s impressed coach Ian Ferguson and retained his place in the starting back four to take on his former club in Round 7 despite the return of Scottish defender Scott Wilson from a foot injury.
“He’s (Dodd) done a fantastic job,” Ferguson said.
“I don’t like changing winning teams and the boys put the effort in and I’ve got to be loyal and reward them for what they did,” he said.
“So I’ll probably start the same back four (against Wellington).”
North Queensland has produced two draws (against Adelaide 3-3 and Brisbane 1-1) and their first ever victory (over Sydney 1-0), to remain unbeaten over the past three rounds.
Keeping Sydney scoreless last week has given the Fury’s defenders even more confidence.
So too has the return to form of goalkeeper Paul Henderson after he repelled a penalty strike by Sydney’s John Aloisi.
“He’s a new man (after saving) that penalty,” Dodd said of 33-year-old Henderson.
“It’s changed him as a person, he’s just come out and he got everything … so that’s good for him and really good for the team, so it’s pleasing to see.”
Meantime, there’s disappointment for midfielder Fred Agius after he was left out of the squad to travel to New Zealand.
The Fury welcomes back Paul Kohler from suspension and Scott Wilson from injury.
