South Melbourne have secured the services of 17-year-old wide man Luke Eyles from Tasmanian Victory League side Olympia FC Warriors in a deal which sees the prospect loaned back to his former club.
The versatile Eyles will remain at the club for the remainder of the State League season in Tasmania, not only focusing on securing Olympia the title – they currently sit top of the ladder – but also focusing on the completion of his secondary schooling studies.
The naturally attacking left fullback – who is adept at playing on either flank in defence or midfield – was previously with the Tasmanian NTC program, where he also played with former Melbourne City and Hume City right-back Jeremy Walker.
Over a year ago, his good form saw him selected as one of seven Australians invited to travel to the Nike All Asia Football Camp, where some of the best clubs in the world – including Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona – ran the rule over the youngster.
In a press release, South Melbourne’s football director Nicholas Maikousis expressed his excitement over the signing of the project player, while praising the clubs strong links with Tasmania.
“We have heard some wonderful things about Luke and are really keen to have him work directly under Chris Taylor to further improve his game over the next two and a half years.
We look forward to him joining our club, as well as continuing to strengthen our ties in Tasmania through our longstanding sister club Hobart Olympia.”
It looks like a case of two in one out for the Tasmanians as Andy Brennan approaches his final game with South Melbourne within the month, while South earlier announced the signing of former Melbourne City and South Hobart man Nick Morton.
The 19-year-old made eight appearances for Melbourne City in the NPL 1 West this year, and was a teammate of Brennan’s at South Hobart last season.
Image: South Melbourne