With Oakleigh Cannons about to inflict South Melbourne’s first league defeat since August 2014, fiery new striker Mirjan Pavlovic uses some choice words to let South manager Chris Taylor know he’s been outclassed by younger counterpart Arthur Papas.
While all parties shake hands at the conclusion of the match, leaving any animosities behind them on the pitch, the win signals a warning from Oakleigh to the rest of their league rivals about the potential rise of the Cannons.
An Andy Brennan half-chance was as good as it got for the trailing South in the second half, with the usually efficient Milos Lujic also kept quiet by dominant defensive performances from Adam le Cornu and John Black at the back.
Even the ever-solid right-back Tim Mala endured a torrid time against the classy Dusan Bosnjak, whose brilliant run and cutback set up Pavlovic for the second goal.
The big man starred in just his second game for the club since moving from Sydney United, constantly harassing the South defence and chasing down balls, culminating in a goal and an assist.
Despite his excellent individual display, the Croatian-born striker was preferred to heap praise on the team performance, crediting his manager for being the mastermind behind the victory.
“As a team we played excellently, tactically we out-classed them, and credit to our coaching staff who got it right as we stuck together to our game plan in what was a great team performance,” Pavlovic said.
“There is no doubt about Arthur going to the next level, it’s just a matter of time.
“Tactically he is a genius and you saw that tonight with the way we performed – that was all down to him.
“Credit to him as he is a coach that is going places, and I would be very happy for him wherever he goes.”
Pavlovic, 26, began his senior career with the West Sydney Berries in the NSW Premier League back in 2009, before being handed an A-League debut by Branko Culina for the Newcastle Jets in 2010.
Two seasons with the Wellington Phoenix followed, yielding three goals in 25 appearances, where the striker was mainly deployed as an impact sub.
Four spells in the space of four years with Sydney United saw him notch up 22 goals in 56 games, including an inaugural NPL Championship in 2013, as well as a run into the Round of 16 of the FFA Cup in 2014.
A short stint in India with Pune FC followed, where the new Cannons marksman crossed paths with current coach Arthur Papas.
Pavlovic’s experience at this level should prove instrumental as the Cannons look to storm up the table after a difficult start to the season under Miron Bleiberg, with the imposing figure already enjoying the physicality of NPL Victoria.
“Both leagues are very similar, although here it’s a bit rougher as challenges get thrown around in what is a very physical league,” he said.
“But in the end, both are very much alike and I’d say the same standard.”
The well-travelled Pavlovic is happy with the start to his career at Jack Edwards Reserve, praising the club hierarchy for his welcome into the Cannons family.
“I’m hoping to stay here and enjoy my football, the club have greeted me well, the community is right behind the club and I’m here to stay as long as they want me to,” he said.
Pavlovic may just be joined at the club by former high school friend and Jets teammate Sean Rooney, along with ex-Melbourne Victory defender Matthew Foschini, who were both spotted in attendance last Friday night, with a third former A-League player also set to put pen-to-paper in Arthur Papas’ new revolution at the club.
Photo: Smile for Peter Photography