He has been one of the standout defenders in the opening month and a half of the NPL season, but Bentleigh Greens’ defender Steven Topalovic is not getting ahead of himself just yet.
A best-on-ground debut performance in a 2-0 opening round win over North Geelong Warriors was matched by a commanding display at the heart of the Greens defence in a 3-0 victory over Melbourne Knights last Thursday night.
The imposing centre-half has adjusted well to his new surroundings at Bentleigh Greens after making the move from boyhood club Dandenong City over the summer, playing every league game so far in 2015 and impressing at the back.
“I’ve settled in quite well at the moment and I feel like one of the new boys at the club where things seem to be gelling very well,” Topalovic said.
The 24-year-old’s shrewd performances have made for a seamless transition from the second-tier and into the premier division of Victorian football.
He cited the lure of improved playing quality as one of the main motivators behind his move to Kingston Heath after spending much of last year prioritising his business ventures.
“There is quite a bit of a jump in quality from NPL1 to the NPL,” he said.
“One of the main reasons I played NPL1 last year was due to work commitments and I did miss that extra bit of competition and the challenge.
“It was nice to experience this step up again and obviously playing with and against higher-calibre players, especially when you’re winning, it just makes everything all the sweeter.”
Topalovic is no stranger to top flight football action, having appeared over 70 times for the likes of Richmond, South Melbourne and Dandenong Thunder between 2010 and 2013.
His first spell at Kevin Bartlett Reserve in 2010 saw Michael Chatzitrifonos’ side finish top of the league before reaching the Grand Final, and he sees a lot of similarities between that side and his current employers.
“I feel a very similar vibe amongst the boys and the club that we had when I was at Richmond, and to be honest I don’t think we had as much talent back then as we do now with Bentleigh,” he said.
“This squad is probably better in terms of quality but one thing that got us boys at Richmond over the line was the camaraderie amongst the squad as we were all really good mates, and it’s the same here as everyone gets along.”
One particular member of the current Bentleigh squad who Topalovic needed no introduction to was left-back Luke Pilkington, who featured alongside him on reality TV show Football Superstar in 2009.
They are just two of a host of former Superstar contestants now plying their trade in the National Premier Leagues across Australia.
“It’s nice that we get to play together again as we kept in contact with each other since he moved down to Melbourne, where we have stayed mates,” he said.
“It’s nice to run into familiar faces especially when you’re new to the club.”
While Topalovic narrowly missed the cut on securing a contract with Melbourne Victory back then, the former Gold Coast United Youth team member is keeping his options open on the possibility of another crack at the A-League if the opportunity arises, but is also content with his current balance of football, modelling and personal training.
“It certainly is not my main priority now, but if an opportunity did coming knocking I would nonetheless think about it,” he said.
“I’ve got a [personal training] business and other goals and ambitions, and at the moment am happy with where I am.
“Priorities change over time, but that’s not to say that I would not consider such a decision.
“The PT business is going very well, it’s something I’ve been doing for the last three years and is a big focus of mine.
“The modelling on the other hand is something that has come up recently which is good exposure for myself, which fits in well with what I already have to do in keeping fit and in good shape.
“The two work hand-in-hand and keep me busy outside of the game.”
If Topalovic and Bentleigh can maintain their good recent form, there is little doubt the squad assembled by Greens CEO John Ioannou and Manager John Anastasiadis could exceed the achievements of the Richmond side in 2010.
If they are to do that, then the commanding central-defensive partnership of Topalovic and Jack Webster will be crucial in helping the Greens to a maiden NPL title.