When Port Melbourne Sharks stepped out to face Melbourne Victory in a friendly late last month, the NPL side would have been forgiven for taking a cautious approach against the A-League Champions.
Although Victory ended the contest convincing 4-0 winners, one player who held his own against the more fancied opponents was Sharks forward Nicholas Krousoratis.
The exciting forward gave the Victory defence plenty of trouble over the course of the 90 minutes, not afraid to take on his direct opponents with some fancy footwork.
While most players are relieved by a long NPL campaign coming to an end, the off-season comes at the wrong time for the 21-year-old, who hit red-hot form with seven goals in his final six outings as the Sharks recovered from a mid-season form slump to consolidate eigth position on the table.
“It was disappointing, as it would have been good to have a few more weeks of the season to go and even better if we had snuck into the top six,” Krousoratis said.
Eric Vassiliadis’ men started the season with a bang, recording 13 points from a possible 18 in their first six outings, with Krousoratis netting a memorable double off the bench in a 4-0 drubbing over Oakleigh Cannons in Round 6.
However, one win in the next 13 proved to be the Sharks’ eventual downfall, with Krousoratis primarily used as an impact player during that period, before a late-season revival from club and player alike left both pondering what may have been.
The forward is reflective about his season, hoping to use the experience as a learning curve to improve upon going into 2016.
“We had a great start and felt like we could have made a statement this season, but some results didn’t go our way and in the end it was the bad spells in the season that led us to finish out of finals,” he said.
“I feel this was an important year for me to understand the game better.
“I have a great coach and players behind me, which makes it easier for me to express myself and learn at the same time.
“It was good to get on the scoresheet quite a bit and just have to build from that for next season.”
Krousoratis will now spend his off-season preparing for the next campaign by retaining fitness over the spring and summer break.
The lifelong Manchester City supporter is also completing his final semester of a business degree at Swinburne University, alongside part time work.
“I always stay active and go to the gym at least three times a week, while also trying not to party during the break.”
“In the past I have also played futsal, which has aided me in keeping me fit and ensuring I do not lose my touch over the off-season.”
The youngster first rose to prominence when he made his debut for Richmond in 2012, eventually going on to make 23 appearances for the club over the course of two seasons.
With 22 starts and 13 goals to his name for the Sharks over the course of last two seasons, Krousoratis is looking ahead to next season and hoping to keep maintain his late-season form come February next year as Port Melbourne pursuits on-field success.
“On a personal note I want to better myself and in terms of being consistent throughout the season, and as a team the goal is obviously to win the premiership.”