It’s been a whirlwind week for Bentleigh Greens’ Naim Delibajric, who is on the verge of claiming the U20s title with his side, and also saw game time midweek against an A-League club.
All that while studying for exams at high school.
Greens’ Senior coach John Anastasiadis brought on the youngster during Wednesday’s friendly against Newcastle Jets, playing out 45 minutes against the one-time A-League champions.
“It was a great experience seeing a lot of people down at the ground, playing an A-League team, and I think I’ll grow from this,” Delibajric said.
“Playing against some of the legends of the game [in Australia], you don’t come up against them everyday, ever minute you spend against them or defending on them you feel that buzz.”
Appearing in the second half on the right side of defence, Delibajric was able to experience playing against the likes of former Socceroo David Carney and Asian Champions League winner Matteo Poljak.
“[They’re] a lot quicker, the passing was more accurate and the movement off the ball was class,” he said.
“It felt like every time you wanted to lunge in for a challenge, the body movement they’d do is just super and you just have to force them down the line and track them.”
This week highlighted a rapid rise for the 17-year-old, who joined the club’s U18 side from State League Two club Heatherton United, before progressing to the 20’s and training with the seniors.
While Bentleigh’s defeat to second-placed Northcote City last week put celebrations on hold, all the Greens need is a point this weekend to claim the U20s title.
“I used to play State Two, and Dad said, “if you’re going to make a move, make a move now before it’s too late”, so I came down here for the trials in the 18s,” he said.
“I didn’t think I was going to make it, but they came up to me and said I’ve got a really good chance.
“Then I was told I’d have a chance in the 20s, and after 11 games I got promoted from the 18s to the 20s.
“Our final game coming up will be a great experience.
“It’s not a must win game, but if we come out with a point the title’s still ours.”
As for Delibajric, the sky is the limit at this point, but the youngster is taking it all in his stride.
“It really shows if you put in hard work and concentrate you can make it somewhere,” he said.
“Time will tell, if [my name] is up there [in the future], I’ll be more than happy.