Blake Powell etches his name in Football NSW history books

The 18-year-old speedy attacker was given the green light in winning his first Sutherland Sharks start for 2009 and took his opportunity with both hands as he showed maturity beyond his years.
Powell was used six times as a substitute for the Sharks senior squad in 2009 but was a regular and prominent player in Sutherland?s Grade 20 side.
The Barden Ridge resident was ecstatic and lost for words after he received this major accolade from former Socceroo star Slater.
?What can I say?
?I am seriously lost for words.
?I want to thank the team and Robbie for what we achieved this season and hope we can continue this run next year.?
Short and sharp Powell went off celebrating after his speech but left a huge impression with many at the ground that he was tipped for bigger and better things.
Currently on the radar at the Central Coast Mariners for a youth team spot, Powell has been earmarked as a future star for the Sharks.
Powell played for Sydney Olympic in the U11 and U12?s before moving to Blacktown City where he spent three seasons before he joined the Sharks in the U18?s and has played there ever since.
The inaugural ?Robbie Slater Man of the Match? award as it is affectionately known was instigated to honour to the tough tackling attacking midfielder as he has spent his early years developing as a footballer in NSW before trekking off overseas where he represented Australia 28 times.
-By Mark Stavroulakis