Western Sydney Wanderers young gun Jarrod Carluccio is relishing every moment he gets with the Hyundai A-League team.
Having started his Wanderers journey as a 15-year-old at the club’s Academy, Carluccio’s hours of hard work and determination recently paid off with the youngster being called into the first-team environment to both train and play.
“I’ve been involved with the squad, with the Hyundai A-League boys for the two weeks leading up to Melbourne City game,” said Carluccio.
“I was lucky enough to then travel to Brisbane and be on the bench there and experienced that.
“And it just made me more eager and more hungry to make an impression so I could give myself the best opportunity to put myself in a position where I could make my debut.
“And the chance obviously came against Melbourne City. And I was just ecstatic and I really can’t explain the emotions I went through when I found out I was starting.”
Carluccio left an impression in his starting debut in Melbourne, having had a 67% passing success rate as well as making three vital interceptions.
For the young full-back, the moments leading up to kick-off were special and something he will hold onto for the rest of his career.
“Well, to be honest, it was quite surreal,” explained Carluccio.
“You know, the warm up and just the whole lead up to the game and then finally put the jersey on and walk out with the boys.
“It was something I really, really worked hard for and I was absolutely just so grateful that it happened.
”And the one thing I love about the club is that we all have a collective mentality. So whether you’re a young boy or you’re a veteran at the club, we all have the exact same mentality.”
For Carluccio, the moment he settled into the match and found his feet came from one very important tackle which rallied the team’s support right behind him.
“I think one of my moments that stands out for me is when I made a slide and tackle in the box on Lachie Wales, and then all the boys sort of got behind me and got my head really, really into the game there,” said Carluccio.
“It helped me help me be confident, my own boots. Then to then implement my game and implement my my playing style into the team from there.
“So, yeah, it was unbelievable. And props to the boys because I was really back on me throughout the whole game and getting more and keep my confidence high.”
