Image: Anthony Banovac
North Geelong Warriors have signed 21-year-old goalkeeper Marko Stevanja to challenge long-term custodian Daniel Zilic for a first-team role throughout 2017 NPL Victoria season.
The Geelong local arrives at the club from Werribee City, where he made 12 appearances in 2016 after arriving mid-season.
The former Melbourne City youth also spent his formative years at Dandenong City, a club that has seen a plethora of talented keepers come through its ranks, including Socceroo Eugene Galekovic.
“I thought it was the best time for me to come back. I always thought I’d be back eventually,” Stevanja told the club.
“It’s very clear that the team was exceptional last year, especially on the defensive front. For me, it’s an exciting challenge to not only push Zila [Daniel Žilić] but to push myself and break into the team and do my role.”
The North Geelong junior spent time training with the Warriors in his return from injury in 2016 before signing for Werribee, where his presence helped the club’s mid-season resurgence after a stuttering start to life in Victoria’s second tier.
Stevanja also attributed an attachment to the region and the club as a key factor in coming back to play for the club and coach Micky Colina, citing a round 14 encounter in 2014 when Dandenong City faced off against North Geelong in a contest that ended in a 3-3 draw as a sentimental memory of Elcho Park as an opposition player.
He admits the reception upon his return has vindicated his decision to sign on for 2017.
“Micky and I have kept in touch ever since my stint training with the club last season. Even though I’ve never worked under Micky as one of his players, I feel like he and I have a good relationship. He knew I always had that desire to come back to the club and so when he reached out to me a few weeks ago, things began to fall into place.”
“I like to think of North Geelong as a place where I can be for the long term, a place where I can really push my case as a senior goalkeeper.
“Even just the thought of it is very exciting. When I played against North Geelong back when I was at Dandenong City [in 2014], it was one of the favourite games of my career. To come out in front of the North faithful, even as an opposition player, was great. The thought of doing it every second week really is incredibly exciting.
“The transition honestly has been seamless. I know the dressing room dynamic is a strong one. I’ve never seen anything like it before, let alone be a part of anything like it, and I can only imagine that it’s only going to help me beyond measure and help us all have a great year.”
The former A-League youth has now set his sights on using the upcoming campaign in the top flight to get his career back on track after an injury-riddled spell in recent times.
“This opportunity that I have in front of me now, to play first team football for a club in the top flight of Victoria football, is such an amazing opportunity. Seeing what other players have gone on to do after having some solid seasons in the NPL is a further motivator for me,” he told the club.