Special Feature: Wolves? Paric earns rapid rise in debut season

Having developed under the guidance of Trevor Morgan during his years at Westfield Sports High, Paric was delighted to transfer from Bankstown City FC to reunite with his former mentor and continue his growth under familiar leadership.
?It?s great that Trevor asked me to come and play for him because I had a good season last year and he knows what I?m capable of,? said Paric.
?I?ve been with him for 6 or 7 years now since I went to Westfield Sports and he?s one of the best coaches I?ve had.
?I think it was really good that he asked me to come because I think I needed it ? for him to be my coach ? as he likes to play good football and not just win games.?
Despite the setback of undergoing ankle surgery in December 2010, Paric?s determination to excel his football career saw him swiftly bounce back to earn his place in Morgan?s starting line-up against Parramatta Eagles in Round 2.
The 17-year old marked the occasion with a well-taken winning goal, adding gloss to his already impressive achievement.
?I knew it wasn?t going to be easy, we have a good bunch of players,? said Paric.
?I started in the 20s for the first game and played well there and then came on as a sub (for first grade in Round 1) and did really well.
?I?d been training hard and then earned my position in the first team.
?I think I needed to play first grade this year and so far it?s been going really good so I?m happy.?
Paric appears to have found the ideal setting in which he can develop his game on the South Coast; continuing his football education under his childhood coach while gaining valuable knowledge from experienced former A-League stars Sasho Petrovski and Jacob Timpano.
?They?re a good influence on me and the team,? said Paric.
?When we heard that Sasho was coming we knew he was going to pull the crowds and give us some goals and experience.
?Same as Timpano, he?s strong and solid at the back, and then with Sasho up front it?s a really squad to play with.?
With a solid foundation behind him, Paric hopes to follow his teammates? footsteps into the A-League and beyond should the opportunity arise.
?I want to have a really good season this year and then see where it takes me,? said Paric.
?If I can get scouted and get a call from an A-League club I?d definitely look to go further in my career.
?Whatever comes for me I?ll be happy, I just want to grow here as a footballer and try to get to the higher stages,? added Paric.
Stjepan Paric and the South Coast Wolves continue their NSW Premier League campaign against Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Bonnyrigg Sports Ground on Saturday evening. Kick-off: 7pm.
– By Michael Shoolman