Perth Glory defender Naum Sekulovski has credited his career best form to a perfectly mapped out pre-season in which he underwent specialist hamstring treatment.
Perth Glory defender Naum Sekulovski has credited his career best form to a perfectly mapped out pre-season in which he underwent specialist hamstring treatment.
Injuries had in the past limited Sekulovski-s ability to produce his best on a consistent basis but this season he has played almost every minute for Perth, substituted just once after a suffering a virus.
“I got the body right in the off season and things are starting to look good, which is fantastic on a personal note,” Sekulovski said.
“I had some ongoing hamstring issues and that’s one thing that I wanted to get right in the off-season, which I did. I sat down with Mitch (Coach Dave Mitchell) and the club and we looked at it. We had to get it right and we did and I think I’m seeing the results.”
Previously used in a variety of roles the 27 year old has settled into defence and made the left-back position his own. Tight checking has made him a valuable member of the club-s impressive back-four while his blistering pace down the flanks means he is also a weapon at the other end of the pitch.
One of only three players at the Glory who were part of the club-s inaugural Hyundai A-League squad, Sekulovski said he is thoroughly enjoying Perth-s renaissance this season.
“The club recruited well in the off-season, they’ve brought in quality and that’s obviously helped.
“I think we’re starting to gel as a group and we can only go forward and I think create a successful environment at this club which we deserve.”
Sekulovski attributes the arrival of Chris Coyne and Andy Todd as instrumental components in his transition into a defensive star.
“Chris is a general at the back so he’s always yelling at me and telling me what to do. That’s fantasic, it-s what you need in the last line of defence so it has been great support.
“I think it-s just part of the Coyne bloodline. They’re just a special species,” he laughed.
Perth will have to tackle Gold Coast without the services of Todd who will miss the match after picking up two yellow cards on the weekend. While the former English Premier League players will be a big omission, Sekulovski is adamant Perth has the depth to cover his absence.
“He has also been really solid in the backline. I mean, speaking of quality, what a buy that was in the off season. Yeah it’s going to be tough without him but I’m sure we’ll manage.”
