Image: Mark Avellino
Receiving a maiden call up to your country of origin is one thing, while heading home a late winner to top your group and send your country through to the next round is another. Combine both, and you’ve just summed up the past month in the exciting life of Luke Adams.
The South Melbourne defender had previously appeared for the New Zealand Under 17s and Under 20s, collecting four and three caps respectively.
The All Whites made the decision to call up Adams to the senior squad after an impressive year at South, which comprised of finishing in first place and representing Chris Taylor’s men on the national NPL stage.
The 22-year-old highlighted the personal impact of making an international debut, also illustrating the contrast between the environment of international and club football, labelling it a ‘special bond’.
“Playing for your country at any level is an honour and shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Adams said.
“It was a proud moment for me and I will cherish [my debut] for the rest of my life.
“The national team set up is uniquely different. [There’s a] special bond between the lads and they certainly let you know what it means to play for your country.
“[You’re] training everyday with the team as we don’t get time with each other often, which differs from your club football.”
The central defender’s journey began at Championship outfit Derby County in 2012 – where he trialled for the club’s youth side and subsequently signed a one year contract – appreciating the ‘learning curve’ he experienced both mentally and physically.
“My time at Derby was a massive eye opener for me in what it takes to be a professional footballer,” Adams said.
“I was on trial and ruptured my ACL two days in, so that was a massive learning curve for me. The mental side of the game was massively tested without even touching football.
“I was lucky enough to sign one year after re-trialing and I learnt a lot playing in the Under 21s.”
The 22-year-old next signed a one year contract for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League in 2013, a period in which he acquired his call up to the All Whites Under 20s.
Adams highlighted his ambition to return to professional football after three appearances for Ernie Merrick’s Phoenix.
“Without a doubt I’d like to return to professional football],” the central defender exclaimed.
“That’s been my dream since I was born to become a professional footballer. I have had a taste, it doesn’t just fade, it only drives me to be better and keep improving.
“Being involved in the All Whites setup is only going to benefit that goal.”
Chris Taylor encouraged Adams to put pen to paper after concluding a second short stint at Waitakere United, the club which kick-started his youth career.
Adams praised the Oceania Club of the Century and its manager, crediting his development to the side which he has netted four times for.
“South Melbourne FC gave me an opportunity at the start of 2015,” Adams said.
“Chris Taylor and the South Melbourne team have helped me massively and I’ve grown as a player in the last year or two I believe.”
Since the formation of the NPL Victoria in 2014, the league has been host to a handful of internationally capped players, including Melbourne Knights’ Jason Hicks and Richmonds SC’s Liam Higgins – who have both represented the All Whites.
Adams praised the growing professionalism of the league, also hailing the momentum of the league which is witnessing players move on to professional football as a result.
“The league is always growing with the amount of talent we have playing in Victoria,” Adams stated.
“We have ex-pros, great young talents and very strong teams. Everyone is a tough game so that brings respect among other players.
“From the outside it’s gaining momentum as players have kicked on to A-League and overseas which benefits the league to drive people to better themselves.”
Among the list of internationally capped players lies Pascoe Vale midfielder Luka Prelevic, who made his debut alongside Adams in the OFC Nations Cup.
Prelevic was presented with his maiden call up after veteran Shane Smeltz was rendered unable to play due to injury.
Adams discussed his relationship with the former Melbourne City youth player, commending his ability and how he’d like to move on to better things alongside him.
“I met Luka last year in the Under 23s Olympic qualifying campaign, so I knew him when he was at Melbourne City,” Adams added.
“Luka is a great talent and a great guy, hopefully we can both do well this year and kick on to bigger and better things.”
Adams represented the All Whites for the first time against Fiji on the 28th of May, a contest which ended 3-1 to the four-time continental champions.
He subsequently played the next two games in the tournament, facing up against Vanuatu and Solomon Islands – the All Whites triumphant in both games 0-5 and 1-0 respectively.
The latter saw the central defender record his first goal after nodding home a winner in the 80th minute – a cross from Wellington Phoenix midfielder Matthew Ridenton which met the head of Adams at the back post.
Adams recounted how it felt to net the goal that solidified his country’s place at the top of Group B, saying “it was a very emotional moment, but [I was] just happy to get the win for the boys more importantly.”
The All Whites have been victorious in the OFC Nations Cup four times previously in 1973, 1998, 2002 and 2008.
Adams highlights his desire to reinforce his position in the senior squad and pursue a fifth continental trophy, as well as an effort at the Confederations Cup.
“My goals are to firstly to win this tournament [the OFC Nations Cup] and qualify for the Confederations Cup,” the central defender said.
“It’s important I do all I can to benefit the team and the country to keep progressing.
“I personally want to be involved for further tours, and my goal is to keep working hard and stay in the national team setup.”
Back in Melbourne, South Melbourne are one win away from a second successive run at the FFA Cup knockouts, obstructing them is a second placed Bentleigh Greens outfit determined for revenge after the last encounter between the rivals saw two missed penalties cost the Greens victory.
The benefit of a deep cup run for club and players is the increased publicity on the national stage, giving a player like Adams additional exposure to potential suitors domestically or abroad.
South have been drawn an unlucky run in the short history of the FFA Cup – 2014 saw them bow out to foe Melbourne Knights in Round 7 of qualifiers, while 2015 saw them fall short to Queensland side Palm Beach on penalties.
Adams emphasizes the importance of the match to his team, labelling the two opponents as the ‘best teams over the last few years’.
“It’s a massive game for both clubs and both set of players,” the 22-year-old stated.
“There’s a rivalry there, being the best teams over the last few years, so it’s more of a respect thing between players.
“[It’s a] big game for us and our season as it is one of our goals where we fell a bit short last year so hopefully we can rectify [that].”
The fate of the two heavyweights is set to be decided on Tuesday, June 14th 7:30pm at Kingston Heath, the winner to enter the FFA Cup knockouts with a convincing record.
By then, Adams may be coming home as an OFC Nations Cup champion, with sights set on a Confederations Cup run in 2017.