There’s an intriguing siblings showdown in prospect at Grindleford Reserve on Saturday as the Leech brothers, Charlie and Jack, go head to head for the first time.
18-year-old Charlie will be lining up for the PGFC Academy First Team in their opening game of the NPL WA campaign against a Balcatta side featuring 21-year-old Jack in the heart of its midfield.
With Jack having also been a part of the PGFC Academy in recent years, the duo have never crossed swords before outside their own backyard games and Charlie is relishing the prospect.
“Jack’s three years older,” he said.
“We were both at Glory for a few years before he just made the move to Balcatta, so it’s been a long time coming and it’ll be good to play against him finally and hopefully get the win over him.
“He was always the older one, the bigger one, the better one in a way, but I think I’ve finally caught up to him.
“He’s more of a defensive player and I’m more attacking, so I think we’ll be coming up directly against each other in the game as we’ll be around the same positions.
“It’s going to be interesting!”
And it’s already been an interesting week in the Leech household, even if Charlie is confident that his parents are not struggling with split loyalties.
“I’ve been in his ear the whole week and he’s been in mine,” he revealed.
“Our parents can’t wait and I think they’ll be supporting me to be honest which will be a bit funny.”
The game marks a return to competitive action for Richard Garcia’s Glory side who completed their preparations with a 3-2 friendly win over Sorrento last weekend.
Leech bagged two of the goals in that victory and he feels that the Academy boys are in good shape to hit the ground running against Balcatta.
“Obviously it’s been a difficult few months for everyone, but I think the boys at Glory have all kept to our programs, doing all our individual work and some group stuff as well,” he said.
“It’s been a bit different, a change-up from the normal routine, but I think last week against Sorrento it was good to get the legs moving again and slowly get back into it.
“Now the season really starts this week.
“We just want to get the best out of the games, be the best we can be and finish in the top half and have a good run through to finals.”
So with all eyes likely to be on the first clash between the brothers during Saturday’s game, is Charlie planning to make Jack aware of his presence in no uncertain terms?
“Of course!” he said.
All three of the senior PGFC Academy teams will be in action against Balcatta, with the Under-18s getting things underway at 11am, followed by the Under-20s at 1pm and the First Team at 3pm.
If you can’t get along to lend the lads your support, you can view a live stream of the Under-20s and First Team games via Football West’s Facebook page.
#OneGlory
Pictures courtesy of Tom McCarthy
