As the Sydney FC players recharge their batteries for what is expected to be an incredibly tough pre season, we speak with the Young Guns who emerged as future mainstays of the Sky Blues outfit for 2013/14 and beyond. We kick off with 2012/13 Sydney FC Players’ Player of the Year recipient Rhyan Grant.
As the Sydney FC players recharge their batteries for what is expected to be an incredibly tough pre season, we speak with the Young Guns who emerged as future mainstays of the Sky Blues outfit for 2013/14 and beyond. We kick off with 2012/13 Sydney FC Players- Player of the Year recipient Rhyan Grant.
Rhyan Grant started his Sydney FC career as part of the inaugural Sky Blues National Youth League side in 2008/09.
After one campaign the 22-year-old was elevated to the A-League squad and leading into the 2012/13 season he had played just 47 games. For so long touted as a “player of the future” there is no doubt that Grant stepped up in 2012/13 in what was a tremendous breakthrough season, playing 25 matches and finding the back of the net on two occasions.
Not only did he entrench himself in the Sydney FC starting side but took out the prestigious Players- Player of the Year Award, a justified recognition of his outstanding contribution.
Before heading off on holidays, Grant answered five key questions.
What was your highlight for the 2012/13 season?
There-s a few highlights in a pretty dull season. Scoring in the last minute against Melbourne Heart to win the game and beating the Wanderers in the first (Sydney) Derby at their home ground was a pretty big highlight.
Is there a lowlight?
Probably losing to the Wanderers back at our home ground, obviously not making the semis is a massive lowlight and losing to the Central Coast 7-2, I don-t like to remind myself but that was definitely not a good time for us.
What was your personal highlight for the season?
I think it was a breakthrough season for me, I played pretty regularly and pretty consistently so that-s always a positive to take out and other than that there-s not much I don-t think.
What are you looking forward to about pre season?
Just starting clean, we-ve got a new staff now. We-ve had them for a while but this will be their first pre season (with us) so we-ll start all over again, get a few new players in and see what happens.
Which team mate stood out for you in 2012/13?
I think the young boys. Seb Ryall had a big season, Terry Antonis did really well. Even young Hagi (Gligor) broke into the first squad and did really well. Even Vedran too, came in and did really well so I think the young boys, sort of, it was there seasons to step up.
Thank you Rhyan!!
The next Sydney FC in Business lunch will be held at the IVY on Wednesday 19 June. Our distinguished keynote speaker of this event is one of Australia-s most influential and experienced media executives, David Gyngell, Chief Executive Officer of Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Ltd. Tickets start from $200 per seat or $1,800 for a table of 10 incl GST, to secure your place contact Nic Barbato on 8314 5100 or email a completed booking form to nicb@sydneyfc.com
