If Sasho Petrovski takes to the field in this weekend’s Hyundai A-League clash he will have amassed 100 appearances in the competition.
If Sasho Petrovski takes to the field in this weekend-s Hyundai A-League clash with North Queensland Fury at EnergyAustralia Stadium, he will have reached yet another milestone in what has been a glittering career.
The appearance will place Petrovski in the Hyundai A-League hundred club, etching his name alongside current Newcastle Jets captain Matt Thompson, and only a select band of competition stalwarts who have thus far achieved the honour.
Looking back over his time in the league since his debut for Sydney FC against Melbourne Victory in August 2005, Petrovski says he-s enjoyed highlights and made life long memories at each club he has played for.
“The first year with Sydney was very special winning the championship, and then the first year with the Mariners was excellent winning the league,” Petrovski said.
“Then joining the Jets and playing in the Asian Champions League was an honour and a huge highlight of my career.”
Indeed, Petrovski-s phenomenally consistent goal scoring record at club level means he inevitably caught the eye of National Team selectors, and he says his two appearances for the Socceroos – which include a goal against Kuwait in a 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualifier – are also amongst his greatest memories.
And, while many 34-year-old players who have enjoyed a career as successful as Petrovski-s would be starting to consider hanging up the boots, the lethal marksman is reluctant to put an age limit on his playing career, believing his best could still be to come.
“I-ll try and play as long as I can, keep myself fit and free of injury as much as possible and give the young boys a run for their money.”
“It doesn-t matter what people say, I know what I am capable of and I always work hard to try and keep the statistics looking pretty.”
While Petrovski-s round 18 finish against Gold Coast United added yet another goal to a decorated career that has included a stint in the Danish 1st division with Viborg FF, the front man predicts more strikes could soon be on their way now that he is fully fit and firing.
“I wasn-t fresh coming into the season. I was pretty exhausted from all the travel and playing in the Asian Champions League,” Petrovski said.
“I didn-t even have a week or two off to recharge the batteries.”
“But I-m back now, I-m feeling good, I-m moving freely and the body feels great.”
“Now it-s a matter of doing the right thing in the league, trying to win the league or getting into the grand final so we secure a spot to play and showcase ourselves on the Asian stage.”
Newcastle supporters will pray the Jets can do just that, and with Petrovski now a favourite at EnergyAustralia Stadium following three goals during the Asian Champions League 2009, fans will also be hoping the clinical finisher can celebrate his 100th Hyundai A-League game the best way he knows how.
The Jets will take on the Robbie Fowler-led North Queensland Fury this Sunday in Newcastle. Tickets for this enticing encounter are available from www.proticket.com.au or by calling (02) 4915 2345.
