Cody banks on speed advantage

Matthew Galea

April 19 2014

Shepparton News

Cody Sellwood’s enthusiasm for representing the Goulburn Valley on the pitch is matched only by the exuberance with which he tears up and down McEwen Reserve’s flanks.

The former Tatura Soccer Club junior, 21, returned to the region this season after a two-year stint at fellow National Premier Leagues Victoria club Pascoe Vale.

He has gone on to form an integral part of the Suns in their early fixtures.

‘‘Jimmy Kalafatis gave me a ring maybe four or five days after the Suns got the licence to see if I was interested,’’ Sellwood said.

‘‘Going from the country to the city was a big jump, but it only improved me as a player so I’m thankful for the experience.

‘‘It was a major thing for me to come and play for my own community . . . and it’s been good to get a proper crack at the Premier League’’

Suns coach Melvyn Wilkes said Sellwood was the model Goulburn Valley soccer product.

‘‘He gives you energy. He grinds and he grafts and he’ll put his foot in,’’ Wilkes said.

‘‘But he’s quality on the ball as well. He’ll stand out and be counted and he’s back here to have a red-hot go.

‘‘That’s why he’s in the team.’’

It is a spot Sellwood has no intention of letting go, even if it is in the unfamiliar right-back position.

‘‘I played midfield up here and even when I went to Pascoe Vale they tinkered around with me a bit between attacking midfield, defensive midfield and striker,’’ Sellwood said.

‘‘Even when I came back up here, I was playing striker all pre-season.

‘‘The transition has been hard, but the good thing with Melvyn is you know he’s going to teach you how to play it the right way.’’

If Sellwood’s recent performances are an indication, he is certainly being taught well, and the youngster is growing in confidence with every game.

‘‘It was nerve-racking playing in a completely new position in the game against Ballarat (Red Devils),’’ Sellwood said.

‘‘But I’m growing in confidence. I’m confident no-one is going to beat me, and when I do get forward I’m going to beat their full-back.

‘‘I love (getting forward). I always considered myself as being quite fit, I think it’s one of my strong points, and running up and down those wings allows me to use that advantage.’’

Sellwood left Melbourne to try and win an A-League contract and it is an ambition that still burns within.

‘‘If this had been around four years ago, I probably wouldn’t even be in Melbourne,’’ the Victoria University student said.

‘‘I’ve always wanted to play at the best level possible and to be here and playing at the second-highest level in the country is a good level to have reached.

‘‘I still want to play A-League, but we’ll wait and see whether it happens.’’