Melbourne City have signed former youth player Wade Dekker to a senior contract.
A one year deal was penned before City’s 2015 FFA Cup campaign commenced, with Dekker likely to feature against Edgeworth Eagles in their first game of the competition.
The 21-year-old made his name at Northcote City under Goran Lozanovski – finding the net nine times in 28 games – before impressing in City’s National Youth League team, winning the championship last season and taking out the Golden Boot with 10 goals.
He has currently scored nine goals in 16 appearances during the 2015 NPL season with the club.
“Definitely surreal. It’s all kind of happened very quickly, a lot of things happen very quickly,” Dekker said to the Corner Flag about his youth stint with City last year.
“I set it as a goal at the start of the year that I want to try and do my best to take my game higher and being given this opportunity this year, I couldn’t ask for anything more, so I want to make the most of it.”
READ MORE > City to City: Dekker’s rise to prominence
Coach John van ‘t Schip said the club had been impressed with Dekker’s development over the past year.
“The Club’s coaching staff have been monitoring Wade’s progress closely over the last 12 months and we believe he has matured into a very promising attacking player,” van’t Schip said.
“A senior contract is great reward for his application, professional attitude and consistent performances.