Confidence restored
Little did Lujic know that a call from Altona Magic coach Zoran Trajceski would finally turn his fortunes around and revive his passion for the game.
“He basically called me and told me to come down and get my confidence back up and get some goals to my name,” he says.
“To be honest it was probably one of the best decisions of my career as I stepped down a division and got my confidence back up as I scored quite a few goals for the side. From there my career took off as I got my love for football back so I’m very thankful to Zoran for giving me that opportunity.”
Northcote City coach Goran Lozanovski was the next to circle the former Young Socceroo, who Lujic says “was the only manager in the VPL willing to take a chance on me”. It was at the humble surrounds of John Cain Memorial Park that Lujic finally fully realised his potential, scoring 28 goals in 43 games over the course of two seasons.
Some notable performances included his first senior hat-trick against Melbourne Knights, and a double in a 5-0 drubbing over South Melbourne in the Preliminary Final. However, he would forever etch his name in Northcote folklore by scoring a crucial extra-time equaliser against Bentleigh Greens which City ended up winning 3-2, with Lujic earning the Jimmy Rooney Medal for a best on ground performance.
“I had a really good time at Northcote and they will always remain close to my heart, as they propelled my career,” Lujic fondly exclaims. “Loza (Lozanovski) was a really good man-manager who I’m still good friends with and I worked really hard under, as I didn’t want to let him down. At the club I had a really successful two years where my confidence was sky high with the second year being a particular highlight as we won the Championship when many people doubted us and also with not as much money as some other clubs.”
South Melbourne
As was the case with many in-form Northcote City players before and after him, Lujic’s form and success attracted the interest of others around him, most pertinently South Melbourne manager Chris Taylor who was determined to get him on board for the inaugural NPL campaign. The 2013 VPL Golden Boot Winner duly accepted the offer and the rest is history – 23 goals in 28 games throughout a title -winning season.
On a personal note, Lujic made it back-to-back Golden Boots while also being crowned NPL Player of the Season, which he describes as, “the best year in my career”.
“I won the Championship with South Melbourne, where there is a lot of pressure playing for such a big club. Chris Taylor and the fans had a lot of belief in me and I am very pleased to have repaid that and hopefully go back-to-back this season around.”
A-League?
For all his recent success and good form, a meaningful A-League stint has still eluded Lujic. A short trial with the Central Coast Mariners was followed by a prolonged stint at Sydney FC, though the Sky Blues elected to sign Serbian international Ranko Despotovic instead. The striker did accept a two-week injury replacement contract with Wellington Phoenix in January 2014, but did not see any game time. Lujic’s cause wasn’t aided by Welington’s 5-0 thrashing of Melbourne Victory in his first week at the club, with Merrick opting to stick with a similar line-up the following week.
The South Melbourne man is currently more philosophical when asked about accepting another A-League offer if the opportunity presented itself.
“It would be a tough decision as I don’t think I’d take an offer with open arms at this stage of my career, as I’ve got a pretty good job [as a teacher] and also a role working with South. If the offer did come up, I would probably take it, but need to carefully consider it.”
While Ernie Merrick has stated that he would keep tabs on him, Lujic is also “open to offers even in Asia,” but for the time being, is happy with Hellas and determined to deliver more success at club.
Whatever the future may hold, Lujic’s journey so far highlights the many trials and tribulations young Australian footballers face when trying to launch a professional career. Whilst his rise to the top of Victorian football has been a rollercoaster journey, at 25, Milos Lujic can finally say that he is settled and enjoying his football.