Fragogiannis ready to step up

The talented defender has been called upon by coach Robbie Stanton to step up to the plate as a starter in assisting in Sutherland?s push for a finals series berth.
Thus far, Fragogiannis has started both Sharks matches unfortunately for him and the team, the club has yet to record a point for 2010.
?It has not been the best of starts for us but we did have a couple of disruptions leading up to the first game against Sydney Olympic via injuries and suspensions as well.
?You cannot always use this as an excuse though and we know we need to make an impact as soon as possible in keeping track of the pack at the top.
?Personally I have felt rather confident in stepping up but I have been aided by the senior players such as captain George Souris, Neil Jablonski and Nick Stavroulakis in pushing me to the extreme and in realising that I can take it to the next level.?
The former Penrith Nepean United player made three appearances in the 2009 NSW Premier League and was seen as a fringe first grade player but 2010 has seen him rise amongst the pack in playing weekly, something the young gun has thrived on.
?I have been given this opportunity by the club and I am of course very grateful for this but I understand that I need to repay them for realising in my potential.
?I know since I have made the step-up, playing senior football is a lot more physical and expectations are a lot higher.
?Now that I am being asked to start and not looked at as just a young kid anymore has placed more pressure but something I have always wanted but I know that it is entirely up to me to perform week in week out in retaining my spot in the squad.?
The 2009 Champions and McDonalds Cup winners have had a rough start to 2010 and it will be all to play for when they entertain fellow winless NSW Premier League outfit South Coast Wolves at Seymour Shaw this Saturday evening.
?The senior boys had a good chat with all of us at training on Tuesday and have ironed out some things we need to work on but we?ve all vowed to stick together through the good and of course bad times.
?These things happen in football and we want to do whatever we can in trying to get out of this bad patch of results.
?It is going to be a difficult match against the Wolves they?ve shown that they will be no pushovers for 2010 and have given both the Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Marconi Stallions a run for their money so it will be a big clash for both of us.?
The last two years the Sutherland Sharks have produced players that have made the step up to the Hyundai A-League. Players such as Pedj Bojic, Brendan Gan and Panny Nikas have all gone onto bigger and better things in their professional careers and it is a pathway Fragogiannis hopes to achieve in his path to success as a footballer.
?It is a long road but my ultimate goal is to play professional football either here or abroad.
?I have always dreamt of playing senior football and now that I have been given that chance I have to work hard at progressing having a good year with the Sharks and then hoping to go onto that next level ? and then we will see where it takes me.
?Right now I want to keep my feet firmly on the ground and concentrate on getting positive results for Sutherland.?
-By Mark Stavroulakis