Goalkeeper has major role to Phil

Matthew Galea

August 16 2014

Shepparton News

Life is not always easy for a young goalkeeper trying to make his mark on the game, but Goulburn Valley Suns have offered Phil Petrovski a fantastic opportunity to shine.

The goalkeeper, 19, is comfortably one of the youngest goalkeepers playing every week in the National Premier Leagues Victoria and has shown just how much potential he has in recent weeks.

Crucial saves in the win against Green Gully, and draws with Melbourne Knights and then Bentleigh Greens have helped the Suns earn five points from their past five games.

The former Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart youth goalkeeper has also had some rough moments during the campaign, but said that was part of the transition from National Youth League to senior soccer.

‘‘It’s quite a massive leap because you’re playing against older and more experienced players,’’ Petrovski said.

‘‘In the NYL, you’re playing against very talented players, but they’re your own age, so the leap between ressies and seniors is a very big one.

‘‘I was a bit shaky mid-season if I’m honest, but you have good games and bad games and I’m satisfied with my recent games.’’

As big as the step up has been, Petrovski said the Suns and coach David Davkovski deserved credit for giving young talent — locally and from Melbourne — an opportunity to play in Victoria’s biggest competition.

‘‘I think (talented) young players need a mixture of exposure between NYL and NPLV . . . and in saying that it’s been good to see a lot more young boys playing NPLV this year as opposed to last year when it was the Victorian Premier League,’’ Petrovski said.

‘‘It’s brilliant to see some Shepparton locals cracking in as well now because that what it’s all about at this point.

‘‘The relegation battle isn’t totally out of our hands yet, but I think it’s about getting these boys ready for next season.’’

Petrovski said the team was confident ahead of today’s clash in Melbourne against Pascoe Vale.

‘‘I think the last few weeks have been really positive and I think most games this year you go into with at least a sniff of winning,’’ Petrovski said.

‘‘We’re looking for a win and I think a win would set up the rest of our season.’’