Sydney United’s 18-year-old young sensation Ante Tomic has certainly hit the ground running in a positive way after commencing his senior career with the Reds on the right foot.



Born in Bosnia but settling in Croatia, Tomic made the trip to Australia seven years ago with his family and had one thing on his mind; to play for Sydney United.

“I remember my father telling me at the time that he wanted me to play for Sydney United and I am glad that I did my bit to make the Under 14’s squad to start my journey with the club.

“The club has been sensational for me and have really looked after me and my family and I am very appreciative of how everyone has treated me both on and off the pitch.

“I hope to repay them all with good performances.”

The dazzling left winger first honed in on his football skills on the streets of Croatia before transforming his raw talent onto the football pitch as young teenager in Sydney.

“I played a lot of street football with my friends in Croatia and it was there I realised how much I wanted to be part of the game at a professional level.”

It has been a meteoric rise for young Tomic as only last season he was playing in the Under 18’s before winning a spot and getting a sniff in the Grade 20’s side before getting that all important phone call from former Reds coach Ante Milicic to commence training with the senior squad this year.

“I was certainly not expecting to play senior football this season; things seem to have happened so fast for me.

“I played with the 18’s and 20’s and then during the off-season Ante Milicic rang me and said that he wanted me to commence training with the senior boys for 2010 which was unbelievable.

“I knew this was my opportunity to do something and I have worked hard but understand that I still have a lot more work to do.”

On a personal note, Tomic has been a handful for a number of rival NSW Premier League sides but the young Reds star has firmly planted his feet on the ground and has understood that there is still a long road ahead of him.

“I have been happy with how things have gone but I have to thank my team mates for this as well as they have made me settle in that much easier.

“I know that I still have much more to learn and I will continue to grab tips off my team mates and my coach David Zdrilic.”

Asked what he thought of Zdrilic the youngster stated to Football NSW.

“David has been very good to me and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better.

“He has been there and played at the highest levels of football, played for the Socceroos and has given me some great advice and I can only learn more off him.”

His dazzling performances have caught the attention of many with new A-League franchise side Melbourne Heart enquiring about his services as well as interests overseas but Tomic has remained adamant that he wants to continue his form with the Reds.

“It is great to hear that people have gained an interest with me but I have to continue playing well for Sydney United in furthering their opinions on me.

“I believe I still have a lot more to do as a player but I am glad that I am playing in a competition against older and tougher opponents as it is teaching more as a footballer.

“My dream is to play in the A-League then one day play for a good club overseas but to get to that level a lot of hard work is needed.”

Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen was also another person who was impressed with Tomic’s performance and called him up in the recent Kevin Muscat Testimonial match played at AAMI Park which saw a select young Australian 20’s side take on the Melbourne Victory.

“That was an unbelievable experience for me I enjoyed myself a lot there and was privileged to have played against Kevin Muscat in his final match of his professional career.

“Everything was very professional from when I got there to during the match and when I left.

“Playing in front of a great crowd at a terrific venue against some excellent players was something I will always remember but something that I will strive for in my personal playing career.”

Switching back to the NSW Premier League, Tomic and the Reds this Sunday tackle former NSL giants and staunch rivals Sydney Olympic at Sydney United Sports Centre with the young gun hoping for three precious points.

“We know that Olympic will be a very difficult opponent for us and they proved just that when we took them on in round 1.

“Preparation has been good this week and the boys have trained extremely well so hopefully we all get together and get the three points as we don’t want to slip away from the Stallions who are currently in first position.”

The mentality at Edensor Park is winning everything and Tomic stated to Football NSW that this is the drive that spurs his team mates on to getting three points every weekend.

“We set out goals and objectives before the season kicked off and the club expects us to win everything and we as players have the duty of making this happen.

“It hurts when we lose and even draw so winning for us is the only thing in our minds and we are aiming to do just that so we can lift three trophies this season.”
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