Marcus Beattie was not a name many people had down to make a big mark on 2017. After 7 rounds, however, he has the equal second most goals in the Illawarra Premier League and is forging a reputation for thriving under pressure.

Beattie joined Bulli in 2013 before becoming a key member of their youth grade side in 2014. Under the tutelage of John Cropper, this side went on to win the league by 11 points with a plus 74 goal differential. Beattie, a versatile attacker, picked up 9 goals in 21 matches, proving his worth to the side.

Beattie left Bulli in 2015 to play the South Coast Wolves under 20s, coached by current Albion Park White Eagles boss, Jeff Allport.

“That was terrific, I really enjoyed it… We didn’t have the greatest of years in terms of results but I felt like I developed my game so much,” Beattie said reflecting on his year at the South Coast Wolves.

The following season Beattie moved to the Sutherland Sharks where he played in their under 20s side. Due to the large squad at the Sutherland, he decided midseason to make the switch back to Bulli who were now coached by former Wolves’ captain, Matt Bailey. Beattie slotted back into the youth grade side scoring 10 goals in 9 matches. His exploits earned him an opportunity in first grade where he was substituted on in their elimination final against Wollongong Olympic. The match went to a penalty shootout where the rookie stepped up and converted a spot kick - highlighting his bold attitude towards football.

This season Beattie has made the step up to be a regular in Bulli’s first grade side. Now in charge of first grade, Bailey has been able to call upon the energetic attacker and he has rarely been let down with Beattie netting 6 goals in 7 league matches including a glorious chip against Tarrawanna to win the match when his side was down to 10-men.

The 21-year-old still harvests ambitions of making it at the NPL level but is determined to keep delivering for Bulli with his sights firmly set on silverware in 2017.

You can listen to the full interview with Marcus Beattie here - https://soundcloud.com/dylanarvela/football-south-coast-in-focus-marcus-beattie

Article by Dylan Arvela on Twitter @dylanarvela

Photo courtesy of Georgia Matts (Illawarra Mercury)