Wanderers Academy defender Jamie Percevski on supporting the club in the stands, signing for the Academy and using his overseas experiences to take first grade team to another level.
Wanderers Academy defender Jamie Percevski on supporting the club in the stands, signing for the Academy and using his overseas experiences to take the first grade team to another level.
The former Marconi and Wanderers Academy junior returned to the Red & Black this season after a stint overseas in Germany with Fortuna Düsseldorf which unfortunately ended in tragedy.
“Moving overseas at such a young age helped me grow up as a person, I matured and it was an exciting time for myself,” said Percevski.
“A week or two before the season began, I had a tragic accident. I was riding a bike to training and I was unfortunately hit by car and that was a tough time for myself, especially for my family.
“But with ups and downs, there’s always a positive. I’m back here (at the Wanderers) and playing football which I love.”
Sidelined for six months after the tragedy, it’s been a tough road back for Percevski who feels fortunate to return to his hometown club.
“I think coming back to the club was a good moment for myself and my family because I’m a local boy from Western Sydney,” explained Percevski.
“I’ve been here since day one since the Academy’s been here, so I’ve seen it all and coming back to a club like this I was very happy to come back here.
“Even to work under Dila (Arthur Diles), work with Crooky (Ian Crook) and I’m very fortunate to have Patty (Patrick Zwaanswijk) here at the club.
“(Zwaanswijk) He’s very experienced, a central defender like me and he’s played abroad, and he’s had a lot of caps under his belt so bringing people like that will be very good for us.”
Having supported the club in the stands prior to being a player, Percevski understands the club’s values and has been giving it his all against some of the heavyweights of the National Premier League (NPL) 1 competition this season.
“It’s a club that I’ve supported since I was younger and it’s a club that represents who I am,” said Percevski.
“I remember when I was younger, being in the active support, cheering on the team and sitting here actually being a player.
“It’s a phenomenal club, it’s a club that I really really adore, being overseas I always used to watch the games and support the club.
“Now that I’m back my goal is to represent the club and give it all for the team and for the badge.”
The Wanderers Academy first grade team will take on Wollongong Wolves on Sunday afternoon at Albert Butler Memorial Park. Watch the match live at NPL.tv.
