Defender ready to roll up his sleeves

THE NEWCASTLE HERALD

By James Gardiner

JETS new boy Antun Kovacic is accustomed to hard yakka.
For the past eight years Kovacic has combined working at a swimming pool factory with playing soccer semi-professionally.

Long days backed up by long nights.

During that time he played for the Melbourne Knights in the old national league and more recently for Richmond in the Victorian Premier League.

"I was working as a pool maker and was a part-time soccer player," he said.

The Knights went full-time at one stage, training twice a day.

"We were in a full-time environment at Melbourne Knights but not earning full-time wages," he said.

He also had a seven-week stint at the Melbourne Victory as an injury replacement for Daniel Piorkowski in their inaugural campaign.

"I did not really get a fair go at the Melbourne Victory," he said.

But finally, Kovacic's time has arrived.

The 26-year-old defender this week agreed to terms on a two-year deal at the Jets.

He may have given up his factory job, but he is well aware the hard work has just begun.

"It is going to take a lot of hard work from here on in," Kovacic said. "I'm prepared for that. Whatever challenges arise, I am going to do my best to meet them."

Kovacic had two three-days stints in Newcastle on trial before he was offered a contract.

The rest of the squad have been training full tilt for the past two months.

"It would have been better if I came up earlier," he said. "By the time the season starts I will be up for it."

Kovacic will have little choice. He is one of just three central defenders alongside captain Jade North and Adam Griffiths on the roster.

North faces a busy international schedule which starts with the Olympics and includes the Socceroos' next stage of World Cup qualifiers.

"If the opportunity presents itself, I would be glad to start," he said. "Don't get me wrong, I don't think I will get a walk-up start."

Coach Gary van Egmond hopes to add another central defender to his squad but did not downplay the role Kovacic would have to play.

"We are going to rely on him," van Egmond said. "It will be important that he gets fast-tracked a little bit earlier than we perceived."

Meanwhile, van Egmond was waiting last night to hear if Joe Keenan had been offered a contract at Scottish club Hibernian.

The former Chelsea and Melbourne Victory wingback has agreed to join the Jets if he is unsuccessful in Scotland.

Keenan's manager, Richie Hinton, was due to meet with Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen in Edinburgh late last night (AEST).

"Joe played in a trial against St Johnstone on Wednesday night," Hinton told The Herald from Scotland. "It was a difficult match. I honestly don't know which way they will go.

"If Joe does not sign with Hibs, he will be at the Jets 100 per cent."

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