Local product – Adriano Pellegrino
New Central Coast Mariners signing Adriano Pellegrino believes the local league in South Australia is an underrated competition and provided the perfect platform to relaunch his national league career.

Image courtesy of Adam Butler

SA born and bred, Pellegrino was a member of Adelaide United's inaugural squad in 2003 after joining from Adelaide City in the now defunct NSL.

When the NSL wound down in 2004 and prior to A-League Version One kicking off, the midfielder returned to the club where he played his junior football, Western Strikers, before joining MetroStars in 2005.

In the same year, Pellegrino signed for Panachaiki in Greece but returned to the Super League with Adelaide City in 2006 where he spent two seasons, before a second spell at MetroStars.

After just six games, the 26-year-old was eventually picked up by Perth Glory for the 2008-09 A-League campaign and went on to win Perth's Most Glorious Player in his debut season.

"It was an eye-opener and a point in my career where I had to take a step backwards to sort of go forwards," he said.

"The local league I think gets over looked in Adelaide. I think it is a strong competition. I've played against local league clubs in Melbourne and Sydney and everyone raves on about them."

"Our local league is very strong and it's only getting stronger. I think a lot of boys don't get recognised enough. I think a lot of coaches could find some good talent in Adelaide."

Pellegrino admitted former MetroStars coach Mike Barnett was a massive influence on his career, as was current MetroStars coach and former team-mate David Terminello. He also acknowledged hard work and persistence helped revive his A-League aspirations after returning to the local competition.

 "I think Mike Barnett gave me the opportunity play at Metro and really got the best out of me," he said.

 "He played me in positions that I could shine in and I think he is probably one of the main influences.

Even David Terminello who has played at very high levels was a role model of mine growing up playing at Adelaide City and then at Metro."

"Returning to the local comp doesn't mean the door is closed. The example is myself and other players who have gone back to the local leagues maybe for a couple of months, done well, proved yourself and get picked up again."

Pellegrino revealed it was an honour to have been involved with the inaugural Reds match coming off the bench in the 1-0 win against Brisbane Strikers.

"From Adelaide City and the old NSL there were about eight of us that joined Adelaide United when Gordan Pickard first started the club," he said.

"I'll never forget the first game. To be involved in that first game coming on off the bench was a great experience at such a young age."

"Playing alongside the likes of Viddie (Aurelio Vidmar), Carl Veart and (Michael) Valkanis and people that have all gone on to coaching was a great honour."

Pellegrino admitted there has been a significant change in lifestyle since switching a bustling Perth for a much quieter Gosford.

The diminutive midfielder added he is looking forward to reuniting with Graham Arnold after working with the former Socceroos boss earlier in his career.

"It's a bit of a culture change moving from Perth to here," he said.

"It's been good. I'm just getting settled in and looking forward to starting a new season."

"I worked with him a little bit during my younger days with Ange Postecoglou – they were involved in the set up in the younger Australia sides."

Pellegrino confessed he leaves behind good times at the Glory – capped off by winning the club's highest individual honour.

"I leave Perth with great memories – playing under David Mitchell and then Ian Ferguson," he said.

"Winning the Most Glorious Player was one of the highlights, not just of my time in Perth but of my career. It's a pretty special honour to win a club award like that."