David Mahoney is grateful to have resurrected his soccer career at Altona City.
The 22-year-old admits that, for a period of time, he “lost the passion” for the game he has played since he could walk.
After three years out of the game, his friend, Justin Galea, asked Mahoney if he wanted to make a comeback, and he decided to give it another shot, returning to City last season.
The attacking midfielder has not only dusted off the rust from his time out of the game but has become an integral player for City in its quest for promotion in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3 north-west competition.
“I took the time off and realised how much I missed playing the game,” Mahoney told
Star Weekly. “I got back into it and I’ve been very happy ever since.
“It just dawned on me that soccer is a big part of my life, and now I’ve got the drive back.”
Mahoney’s presence is all-important to City. First and foremost, he scores goals – the most sought-after commodity in the game.
He has hit the back of the net 11 times in 13 matches to be equal top-scorer in the league with Upfield’s Maher Nissan.
Mahoney is happy to deflect the praise to his teammates, who have offered him silver service this season.
“Most of the time it’s getting on the end of a good build-up of play,” he said.
There’s a lot of give and take to Mahoney’s game, his value not solely judged on goals.
He has scored doubles in four games this season, so when he’s hot in front of goal he’s a match-winner, but he can have barren runs of games without goals also.
Mahoney says the foundation of his game is based on his constant involvement in play.
“It’s not all about the goals you score, it’s about the assists as well,” he said.
“If you take a look at most of the goals scored, I’d have a part in them, not always a massive part, but along the line I would’ve had a touch or two.
“An attacking midfielder, it’s basically just being around the ball as much as you can and getting as much of the ball as you can. When you need to get back, get back; when you need to go forward, I have to be there every time. No matter where I touch it, if it’s right from the start or the finishing, my aim is to be a part of that play.”
As a youngster, Mahoney only ever played for fun, and it’s fair to say he was a rough diamond when he landed at City last season.
The Kealba resident now has a change of mindset and is taking his sport seriously.
He’s training as hard as ever and is starting to think about making a career out of his sport before it’s too late.
“I do enjoy playing the sport, but there is a lot of money involved as well,” Mahoney said.
“So, as a second year [electrical] apprentice, it does make a big difference. If I can really push myself, show my worth and get to the higher leagues, you can go out there for fun and get paid for it as well.
“Where I want to be and where I end up might be two different things,” he said. “But I would like to play in the NPL in the next few years and that’s what I’m aiming for.
“I need to perform in division three and really stand out before I make any moves.”
