How long have you been playing for Northern Tigers?
This is my 8th year at the club. I played in the u11’s for 2 years starting in 2010 before playing in the u12’s. After a year off in 2013, I came back in 2014 and have played here ever since.
Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?
Of course, my parents have been very big influences on my football career, but I would have to say Gui Da Souza has been the one coach that had the biggest effect on me. He helped me to become a better player but also a better person. He coached our Tigers 15’s and 16’s team in a way that made us all love football with his focus on creativity and scoring goals reflecting his Brazilian heritage. The result of this has shown with some of the boys from that team now at A-League clubs which is a true testament to his work. Adam Hett, my coach this year, has also had a big impact on the technical side of my game and has helped me improve to be a better all-round player.
Which clubs have you previously played for?
I played for Lindfield junior football club and have always loved playing for my school, Barker College, but other than that its always been Tigers for me.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?
It’s been said a lot this year, but the culture of the club no matter what team you are in is hard to match anywhere. The boys always seem to get along and it helps us to perform better on the pitch.
What position do you play? Have you always played there?
I play CAM or CDM and have played there for a few years now. Before that I played left wing but I became a bit too slow so I moved into the midfield. I love to be able to read and control the game from the centre of the park so I think it was the right move.
Do you have a favourite club/player? Who/why?
For as long as I can remember I have gone for Liverpool so it is nice to be having a few good seasons after a number of tough years for the club. Like many red supporters, I have always looked up to Steven Gerrard and the way he played. For me, he was the complete midfielder that made the early morning wake ups worth it.
What is your best football memory?
It’s hard to go past being part of a team that went 54 games unbeaten which included beating big NPL 1 clubs like Blacktown and Sydney United. This team, coached by Gui, also won a championship and smashed every team on a tour to England and to make it even better we all became very close mates. A moment that came close would be winning the Combined Associated Schools competition with my School team this year. It came down to the last game of the season and was a special day winning the comp on a local derby in front of my school. Sorry wigs!!