West Adelaide enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Salisbury United last week in Round 2 of the State League in front of a passionate home crowd and under the watchful eye of a keen observer.

Fox Sports Hyundai A-League commentator and long-time football journalist Mike Cockerill took full advantage of his trip to Adelaide for the Reds-Roar match by heading out to get his local football fix.

Cockerill admitted it is one of the luxuries his job affords him and he considers himself very lucky to be able to visit the local competitions around Australia.

“I'm fortunate because of my commentary work to be able to get around the country, and I often use the opportunity to get to state league games,” he said.

“It never ceases to inspire me when I see how much enthusiasm and effort there is behind these clubs, despite the struggles to make ends meet.”

Cockerill expressed his passion for local football and believes clubs still provide a “significant pathway” for players to launch themselves into an A-League career.

Adelaide United midfielder Fabian Barbiero is a classic example, plucked from MetroStars in the Super League and signed for the Reds in 2007. 

"I've always been passionate about second-tier football because it's still the lifeblood of the game,” said Cockerill.

“Much as I applaud the progress we're making regarding coaching and development, the number of state league players who continue to progress to the A-League proves how these clubs remain a significant pathway, especially for the late-bloomers.”

Cockerill, a close friend of former Reds coach John Kosmina, said the opportunity to see his good mate’s former club West Adelaide compete in the State League was too good an offer to knock back.

He admitted he was a little saddened to see the former National Soccer League champions battling it out in the parklands, but excited about what the club is looking to achieve in the near future.

“The chance to go and see West Adelaide for the first time at this level was too good to refuse. John Kosmina is one of my best mates, and he always talks fondly on his time with the club,” said Cockerill.

“Part of me was sad to see the club playing in a public park, but the other part of me was excited to hear what they have planned for the future. I will support the club as much as possible in their campaign to get a new home ground. They need it, and deserve it.”

On field, Cockerill believes the club is definitely on track for a successful future, particularly while Ross Aloisi is at the helm.

 The former Reds captain has drawn on all his experience after an illustrious playing career to forge a path as a coach while assisting to attract plenty of quality to the club with the likes of Matthew Kemp and Assistant Coach Joel Porter.

Cockerill is full of praise for Aloisi – confident he has what it takes to steer West Adelaide to success and eventually progress to the next stage. 

“Obviously, I'm good friends with Ross Aloisi, and I know how committed he is to rebuilding West Adelaide. I think the club is lucky to have him,” he said.

 “Ross has always had a keen football mind, and while he's across all the latest coaching developments, he's also got that nice old-school man management philosophy, which I believe is just as important as ever. He'll go a long way as a coach if that's what he wants.”

“Not only is Ross able to use his profile, and personality, to get players like Matthew Kemp to the club, but he's also determined to bring back former players like Con Kokkonoplitis and others to rejuvenate the culture. He's a smart guy.” 

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