Perth Glory marquee player Mile Sterjovski will make his 300th professional appearance this Friday night to mark another milestone in a remarkable career that has taken him to the pinnacle of the game.
Perth Glory marquee player Mile Sterjovski will make his 300th professional appearance this Friday night to mark another milestone in a remarkable career that has taken him to the pinnacle of the game.
Sterjovski started as a 16 year old in the NSL with Wollongong Wolves and he quickly established himself as a star on home soil before being recruited to the top leagues in Europe.
He spent near on a decade plying his trade in France, Switzerland, Turkey and England before returning to Australia to sign with the Glory this season. His time overseas saw him line-up against some of the game-s elite in both domestic competitions and heavy weight clashes in the Champion-s League and UEFA Cup.
“It actually surprised me when I was told that I had played that many games, I had no idea,” Sterjovski said.
“I have been very fortunate to have played alongside and against some wonderful players and I-m continuing to enjoy every minute I-m out there playing.
“It was a dream to play football, I have achieved so many things along the way and I-m really looking forward to many more memorable times,” Sterjovski said.
The Socceroos striker has made a big impression since joining the Glory and established himself as a lynchpin in the club-s attacking formation. While Sterjovski is yet hit the back of the net in the opening four rounds he has come ever so close, denied by the crossbar on one occasion, and is threatening to break through with each minute spent on the pitch.
“It-s nice to score and I feel as though it-s not far away but as long as we-re winning games and I-m contributing to the team then I-m happy,” Sterjovski said.
“It-s important that we win games, that-s all that I worry about and at the end of the day that-s what we-re going to be judged on.”
Coach Dave Mitchell is delighted with the output of his marquee signing and utilised Sterjovski-s versatility to great effect.
“Mile is creating goals for other people, he is an unselfish player and works his socks off for his team mates, closing down and creating opportunities,” Mitchell said.
“As long as he is continuing to do that and we-re winning I don-t mind if he isn-t scoring himself.
“He is doing well and it-s not just about scoring goals… he-s played a multitude of different positions and that is great for him and for the club. He brings so much to the team with his positive attitude and wealth of experience.”
While Sterjovski remains humble about his milestone match, it could be the additional motivation Perth need to secure their first win on the road this season and a third consecutive victory following two impressive results as home.
“The guys are confident, we-re all working hard at training and we-re on a good run now so anything is possible for this group,” Sterjovski said.
“I-m very happy that we-ve won two games in a row, we-re sitting fourth on the ladder and hopefully we can keep that run continuing.”
Mile Sterjovski
Date of Birth: 27 May 1979 (age 30)
Place of Birth: Wollongong, Australia
Height: 180cm
Weight: 79kg
Position: Striker / Right wing
National Team Appearances
Qantas Socceroos – 40apps (8 goals)
Qantas Under 23-s
Qantas Young Socceroos
Major Honours Achieved
1999 World Youth Championships (Nigeria); 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup (Korea/Japan); 2006 FIFA World Cup (Germany); 2007 Asian Cup
Awards
1999 National Soccer League U21 Player of the Year
1998/99 National Soccer League Golden Boot Winner
Previous Clubs
1995-96 Wollongong Wolves (Australia); 1996-97 Wollongong United (NSW); 1997-99 Sydney United (Australia); 1999-2000 Parramatta Power (Australia); 2000-04 Lille (France); 2004-07 FC Basel (Switzerland); 2007 OFTAS Genclerbirligi (Turkey); 2008 – 09 Derby County (England)
Hyundai A-League Rd 5
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Friday, 4 September 2009 at Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 6.00pm (AWST)
Referee: Ben Williams
Central Coast Mariners Squad: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Brad PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Dean HEFFERNAN, 9. Nik MRDJA, 11. Dylan MACALLISTER, 12. Matthew LEWIS, 14. Michael McGLINCHEY, 15. Andrew CLARK, 16. Nigel BOOGAARD, 18. Alex WILKINSON (c), 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 21. Ahmad ELRICH, 22. Nicky TRAVIS, 23. Adam KWASNIK, 27. Wolry WOLFE.
*three to be omitted*
In: Dylan MACALLISTER (promoted), Matthew LEWIS (promoted), Wolry WOLFE (new signing)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Shane Huke (knee – 6 weeks), Chris Doig (calf – 2 weeks)
Perth Glory Squad: 1.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 4.Andy TODD, 6.Chris COYNE, 7.Jacob BURNS (c), 8.Victor SIKORA, 10.Wayne SRHOJ, 11.Branko JELIC, 12.Scott NEVILLE, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.Todd HOWARTH, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 20.Aleks VRTESKI (gk), 21.Mile STERJOVSKI, 23.Andrija JUKIC, 24.Matthew MAYORA, 25.AMARAL
*one to be omitted*
In: 23.Andrija JUKIC (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Jamie COYNE (knee – 1 week), Jimmy DOWNEY (knee – 3 weeks), Anthony SKORICH (hip – 4 weeks)
*Head-to-Head: Played 12: Central Coast Mariners wins 8, Perth Glory wins 1, Drawn 4
