As the team sheets for the Melbourne derby were released, I was brimming with excitement.
Not only would I get to witness arguably one of Japan’s finest football players play alongside the likes of James Troisi, Terry Antonis and Kosta Barbarouses, but number seven, Kenny Athiu was starting. Big boy Kenny.
My excitement for Kenny began last season, when Melbourne Victory acquired him on loan from Heidelberg.
Why was I excited you ask? Well not only was he banging in goals for Heidelberg, but it was fantastic to see a player from the NPL (National Premier League) doing well be rewarded with a chance to play for the biggest club in Australia.
I will however admit, that last night wasn’t the best for Athiu.
He did struggle, looking lost at times, and being unable for the most part to finish off the good work he was able to produce.
The most evident example for me was in the final moments of the game, when he beautifully chested the ball in the box, with only Eugene Galekovic standing in between him and scoring, yet his shot went over the bar, picking power over placement.
I’m not saying it was all bad for Kenny, he had some positive moments, more so in the second half by having more a presence up front and holding the ball up more.
Looking at Kenny and his rise from playing for Heidelberg to Melbourne Victory highlights the fact that instead of looking abroad for talent, A-League clubs should look in their own backyard.
There is evident talent in the NPL – talent that should be taken advantage of.
Yes, players may be rough around the edges, but with hard work and persistence, they can turn out as gems.
In saying that it is great to see players like Dylan Wenzel-Hall and Jordan Murray be given an opportunity to play in the A-League.
In addition, credit needs to be given to the FFA for implementing the FFA Cup, which has created more recognition and awareness for the lower football leagues in Australia.
Hopefully we see more opportunities given in the future to home grown talent from the NPL leagues to play in the A-League.
I haven’t lost hope in Kenny just yet, after all it was his first A-League start, it was against quality opposition and it was in front of a big crowd.
However, with new signing Ola Toivonen coming back most likely next week, this was Kenny’s chance to seize the opportunity and make the most of it on the derby stage.
I just hope that his good work towards the end of last season results in a few more opportunities this season.
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