After the roller coaster ride that was the World Cup, It was back to business as usual & of course that meant injuries.
A twisted ankle early in the campaign kept me out for 4 weeks before my 2nd dislocated shoulder in as many years saw me miss another 2 months approaching the holiday season. Ho, ho, ho!
Again though, as a whole it was a decent year.
24 appearances across all competitions for an average rating of 7.20, not too bad all things considered. I definitely feel as though I am in the prime of my career, if only the injury gods would cut me a break!
I have also found myself in some stiff competition for game time here at the Victory with the younger, more durable Harry Dingle pushing me all the way for that left wing spot.
Harry has also been capped 10 times for Australia. Twice more than myself. The competition has been fierce but also welcome. Nothing drives me more to succeed then the thought of being forced out by a newer model!
Again it proved to be a mixed bag for the club.
Once again, the regular season saw us finish in second place behind the Adelaide United this time.
This year though we were to fall at the first hurdle in the final series.
A devastating Big Blue defeat to our most hated of rivals, Sydney FC. On penalties no less!
In my earlier years Sydney FC had been my team. Growing up in Tamworth I had supported them with passion! Strange that my career has seen me play for their 2 biggest rivals!
Oh well, things don't always turn out the way we had hoped, that much I know I have learnt.
The final was to pit Sydney FC against last years shock champions the Newcastle Jets.
Once again it was to be Newcastle's year. After scraping the finals in 6th position the men from the Hunter would go on to shock us all again by defending their title. Congratulations to them, they sure are hard to beat in those sudden death matches!
Again I followed the progress of the side that gave me my one & only shot at European football. The sting of my sudden departure had finally wore off.
Unfortunately, FC Oss were unable to surprise anyone & found themselves relegated straight back to the Jupiler league. I felt for the boys. I know how much work went into getting them there. I couldn't hold a grudge, I wanted them to succeed but as ive already said, we don't always get what we want out of life.