Rockdale City’s Peter Makrillos is hoping his impressive season for the Suns will help draw him to the attention of A-League clubs.
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The 20-year-old joined Rockdale at the start of the NSW NPL 1 season from English Premier League club Stoke City where he had been involved with the club’s academy for six years.
That time spent abroad has given Makrillos a taste of professional football – and the drive to achieve his dream of playing professionally now that he has returned to Australia.
Learning under experienced managers Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes and training with the likes of Austrian and English internationals Marko Arnautovic and Ryan Shawcross helped Makrillos hone his craft as a young player and allowed him to dream of an A-League career.
“[The A-League] is definitely on my radar,” he said.
“I pray I get an opportunity in the A-League. I want to establish myself there. Every young player wants to be playing in the A-League. I’ve got to keep my head down and keep working hard to get a chance.”
Makrillos has become a key player in Paul Reid’s Rockdale side who need to bounce back from a slip up against APIA Leichhardt last weekend when they host Hakoah Sydney City East on Saturday night.
Rockdale will then welcome Manly to the Ilinden Sports Centre next Sunday having fallen to fourth place, with Manly drawing level on 30 points with five rounds remaining.
Makrillos said he was happy with how the season had gone so far and was confident Rockdale could end the campaign with some silverware.
“I feel like it was a good choice coming to Rockdale,” he said.
“I’m very thankful a club of Rockdale’s calibre gave me a chance and Paul gave me the opportunity.
“He’s played in the A-League and at the highest level in England so he understood where I was coming from and what my expectations were and where I want to be in the next season or so.
“I just feel like we have something to give that other clubs in the league don’t. If we’re ready and have our heads screwed on we’ve shown this season we can do anything and beat anyone.”
Meanwhile, Sutherland upset Bonnyrigg 3-0 on Saturday night. The Sharks have this weekend off before facing Hakoah Sydney City East next Saturday night.
