Brisbane Roar’s newest recruit Matt Jurman has named Head Coach Ange Postecoglou’s faith in young players as one of the key decision-making factors in his move to join the Hyundai A-League Champions.
While cementing a place in Brisbane-s record-breaking side and playing an exciting brand of football were both tempting to the 21-year-old, the chance to develop as a football player under the guidance of former Qantas Young Socceroos coach Postecoglou sealed the deal.
“With all the young boys that are up here, it seems as though if they-re good enough, you get a chance,” he said.
“That-s a big thing for me coming up here, that and Brisbane were one of the teams I really enjoyed watching play last year.”
Jurman recently fulfilled his AFC Champions League duties with former club Sydney FC and arrived in Brisbane this week with clear goals for the upcoming Hyundai A-League season.
With selection for next year-s Olympic Games in London also featuring on his mind, the young defender had his sights set on both club and national team success.
“I go to Japan on Friday with the Olyroos and then we-ve got qualifiers coming up after that so I-m looking forward to that,” Jurman said.
“Next year, the Olympics are going to be massive and it would be awesome if I get the chance to play over there.
“With next season, I want to get myself a starting spot and form a good partnership with Matty Smith, and just go from there.”
A member of Sydney FC-s Premiership and Championship-winning side of the 2009/10 season, Jurman said his experience playing in this year-s AFC Champions League would be a strong asset to his new club as they looked to make a mark in the continental competition.
“Even though we didn-t make it to the next round, playing the six games was a really good experience for me,” he said.
“I scored my first goal too which was a big confidence booster.
“Playing against Asian teams is going to make you play at a higher level and I-m really looking forward to doing well in the ACL at the end of the year.”
