Harper Sercombe
Local striker Jonas Markovski is into the big leagues.
The Altona Magic product played an integral part in the club’s first National Premier League finals berth this season, scoring 19 goals and winning the league’s golden boot award.
A-League club Brisbane Roar noticed the talent and signed him just weeks before its season kicks off on October 21.
Markovski said it was an amazing feeling to sign the contract with the club.
“It’s such a good club, with good history, and it’s such a big call up into the league, so yeah it was unreal,” he said.
“It was definitely a goal [of mine].”
Markovski said his year couldn’t get any better, getting Magic into finals, coached by his dad, John Markovski, a 20-time Socceroo, who represented the Olyroos at the 1992 Barcelona Games after emerging onto the scene as a 15-year-old in the 1986 National Soccer League season with Sunshine George Cross and now his first professional contract.
“A dream come true,” he said.
“Getting the boys into finals, everyone played their part, not just myself. From the coaches, the players, the staff at that club was awesome, such a huge step forward in such a challenging league.
“I guess there’s no better coach than your old man, he’s played in the league, he’s proud.
“I’m happy to be here and I’ve just got to prove myself once again, I’ve still got a long way to go, I’ve still done nothing in this league, so I’ve got to prove myself here and make sure I cement my spot.”
The 24-year-old still has a long way to go in his career with Brisbane and beyond.
“I think the sky’s the limit,” he said.
“The most important thing for me is getting goals and wins for Brissy.
“But then from there what happens is what happens, I’d love to play for the nation, just as any player in this league would.
“For the moment, just getting involved, getting some goals, getting some wins and then from there who knows what can happen.”
Markovski has only been in Brisbane for about two weeks and is loving it. He completed his first practice match with the club, a hit out against Newcastle, in Coffs Harbour last week.
“It was a good experience against an A-League team,” he said.
“It’s only been a short while, there’s a lot of information to absorb, like how Ross (Aloisi) [Brisbane’s coach] wants us to play and adapting to my new teammates, but we’ll definitely get there in the end.”
Aloisi recognised Markovski’s determined mindset and believes that with his ability to score goals, he will be a great addition to the squad moving forward.
“He did really well in the Victorian Premier League in a team that finished fifth and to win the golden boot goes to show that he is a goal scorer,” Aloisi said.
“It’s something that we’re looking to bring into the team, not just a player that is going to work hard but also someone that is a proven goal scorer and winner.
“Jonas has done it over a number of years in Victoria, and he has come in and took his opportunity once arriving. Jonas should be very happy and proud.”
