St Albans’ Oliver Dragicevic is living the dream after earning his first A-League contract at just 17.
Having grown up in the changerooms at St Albans, Dragicevic will now call Melbourne Victory home after signing a contract with the A-League club.
Speaking after his first few days of training, the teenager said it was slowly starting to sink in that he had made it to this level.
He said he was grateful for Melbourne Victory to give him an opportunity.
“I’ve just completed my first three days of training and it has all the facilities that I need to take my game to the next level,” he said.
“It’s a little bit quicker from NPL (National Premier League) which I thought it would be. I’m just happy to be here.”
Dragicevic said the rise into the A-League ranks had come quicker than he expected being just 17.
He said having the opportunity to do what he loved every day was pretty special.
Dragicevic’s have played a huge role in his career and getting him to this stage.
They were the ones that gave him the news he had been offered a contract.
“We played Melbourne Victory the week before and I ended up scoring a goal and played well,” he said.
“They called dad and said they were offering me a contract. I had a game the next day, so my parents kept it secret for two days.
“My mum doesn’t really keep secrets… she did for 48 hours.”
Dragicevic’s love of soccer comes from his dad.
Ilija Dragicevic is the president of St Albans.
“He’s been massive,” Oliver said of his dad. “Everyday from the age of four to 17 dad has been driving me, he’s been my Uber driver.
“When I was at Melbourne City Academy it was long hours to Cranbourne. He is a role model for me.
“He is really excited. Sometimes he doesn’t tell me he’s proud of me, but I know he is. He wants me to keep working hard and to take it to the next level.”
Dragicevic said St Albans was like a home to him having grown up at the club.
He once dreamed of playing on the jumper for the senior team which he was able to do this season.
“I was going there every day to watch and experience senior football,” he said. “Every Sunday I walk out with the seniors and wonder if I could do that.
“My last ever game I was captain. It was a special feeling and people will never understand the connection with the club and community.”
Dragicevic knows that he has some hard work ahead of him to make his A-League debut.
When he gets out there, there’s one thing he wants to do.
“I love scoring goals and celebrating,” he said. “I want to grab the ball and kick it into the next.
“I will do what I need to do. I’ll keep working hard until it comes.”
