Melbourne Victory Youth defender James Karvelis has revealed his reasons for joining Kingston City, the deciding factor being game time and match fitness in order to give himself the best chance to retain his spot at the Victory.
The former South Melbourne defender switched to the NPL1 side at the conclusion of the National Youth League season, and has become an important cog in Kingston’s back line.
Karvelis admitted the coach at the helm as well as the promise of being a key player was an offer too good to refuse and he believes that it’ll aid his cause to continue on with the Victory Youth next season.
““I know Tolsi [Nick Tolios] pretty well and I needed some game time,” Karvelis said.
“I got offered other places but I felt going to Kingston I’d get more game time and prepare myself hopefully a contract with Victory next season.”
The step down to the second tier hasn’t fazed Karvelis either, who feels he is settling in with his new surroundings.
“Everything is going pretty well, I’m trying my best to keep up. I mean it’s pretty crap that I don’t get a break but yeah I’m just doing what I can,” he said.
“[The NPL1] is good fun. It’s a good competition and I’m enjoying it.”
Life at Kingston has also been made simpler with the presence of John Maclean, who was a train-on for the Victory Youth squad, and Karvelis enjoys having a familiar face around.
“It’s good to have another Victory player I know,” he said.
“[I’m] always having a laugh with him, so it’s good to have him at an NPL1 club as well as an A-League youth squad.”
As for how he sees his chances of getting another contract with the Victory Youth squad, Karvelis admits it won’t be easy, but with youth coach Darren Davies checking in on him, it provides another level of support.
“I stay in touch with him occasionally, he gives me a ring every now and again to see how I’m going,” he said.
“There’s heaps of competition. There’s heaps of young guys coming up showing heaps of talent so it’s definitely going to be hard to try and break through for another contract.”
Image: Zac Groeneveld, Kingston City