MARINERS right back Pedj Bojic has revealed the process he has gone through to earn the chance to take set pieces for Graham Arnold’s side.
MARINERS right back Pedj Bojic has revealed the process he has gone through to earn the chance to take set pieces for Graham Arnold-s side.
Bojic netted a delightful curling shot in the 51st minute of yesterday-s tight tie with Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park to help the yellow and navy to three crucial Hyundai A-League points.
After the game, Bojic elaborated on the work he has done behind the scenes to be given permission to take free kicks for the team.
“It is something I asked for a few weeks ago to the Assistant Coach, ‘Mossy- (Phil Moss),” Bojic said. “I wanted to practice with him and get to a point where I am converting around 80 to 85 per cent in training for him to give me the chance.”
“Lucky enough Graham (Arnold) and Mossy said ‘you-re more than welcome to take one-. And lucky enough it hit the back of the net which I am very happy with.”
Statistically one of the Hyundai A-League-s high achievers, Bojic is well recognised for his marauding, overlapping runs down the right flank and high-tempo, all action style of play.
And, the former Northampton Town defender said he feels the well-oiled, structurally sound Mariners have plenty of progress left in them this campaign.
“It-s only early in the season, there are so many weeks to go and we are only going to improve and improve,” he said.
“It-s always tough coming here to Melbourne as well. They-re always a great side and the challenge is very hard, and the three points mattered today.”
“We-re three points ahead of where we were last season, so that-s a positive sign.”
“We-re a tight unit. We-ve recruited well. We know our structure and we know how to play amongst ourselves in the team. And we-re very hard to breakdown as you can see.”
Sunday’s win over Heart lifts the Mariners into the Hyundai A-League top four before the visit of southern foes Sydney FC to Bluetongue Stadium next Saturday 3 November.
The round 5 clash between the yellow and navy and the sky blues is set to be a well attended showdown, with pre-sale numbers indicating a boom crowd for the contest.
