Northcote City have found their replacement for the outgoing Chris Theodoridis, signing Goulburn Valley Suns goalkeeper Phil Petrovski for the 2016 NPL Victoria season.
The 20-year-old began his senior career with Moreland Zebras, where he made his debut as a sprightly 17-year-old having spent much of the 2012 season as an understudy to Griffin McMaster.
A Camberwell Grammar schoolboy, Petrovski played First XI football for his school as well as earning selection in the Associated Grammar Schools of Victoria 2012 squad, which included names such as James Papadimitriou, Andrew Goff and Joey Katebian.
He then moved to Heidelberg United for the 2013 season, where he helped the State League 1 side achieve what was essentially promotion to the NPL Victoria for 2014, where he then moved to the Suns with the chance of guaranteed first team football.
Despite being a part of a relegated side, Petrovski had a breakout season as he made 25 appearances in the top-flight with the newly formed side.
He continued on as the club’s number one shot-stopper, as the Suns made a blistering start to the campaign, as promotion loomed while also making it to the Dockerty Cup Quarter-Finals.
Injuries curtailed the Suns’ season as they slumped to fifth spot, but Petrovski’s form warranted a move back to the top division for the young keeper.
Petrovski also spent stints at both Melbourne Victory (2012-13) and Melbourne Heart (2013-14), where at the latter, he was re-united with former Zebras boss Joe Palatsides.
“The chance to play in the NPL was a big factor in the move. I spent two seasons at Goulburn Valley and I felt it was the right time to move on and face the next challenge,” Petrovski told the club.
“[Alex Gymnopoulos] approached me and gave me an idea of where the team is heading and his plans and it went from there really. It’s exciting and I’m happy to be back in the [top flight].”
Petrovski becomes the club’s third signing of the Summer, following Anthony Rizk and Jonathan Voulgaris into the club.
Photo: Mark Avellino