Grade 20?s Feature: Nick Taneski raising the stakes at the Tigers

After watching him play, it is easy to see why. Energetic and pacy, the APIA forward is lethal in front of goal, possessing composure and anticipation beyond his tender years. He is deadly inside the penalty area and is a constant threat, always lurking on the shoulder of the last defender, ready to spring the offside trap.
Speaking after his side’s last minute victory over Rockdale City Suns at Ilinden Sports Centre, the young star was humble, as well as very pleased with his move to Lambert Park, having signed from Canberra Olympic.
“It’s a better standard league here and with the new Western Sydney team coming in, I thought the best move might be to come here,” he started.
We are speaking in the centre circle of Ilinden Sports Centre, rushing slightly to make sure that Taneski can make it to the dressing room in time to fulfil his commitments as a substitute for the APIA Leichhardt first grade side. 
He is happy to chat though and he is an easy interviewee, very much at ease. 
Taneski continued, “Week in, week out there are people here watching, and I didn’t want to die wondering. I wanted to see if I had a chance to make it in Australian football and to test myself, more than anything.”
The 18 year old signed from Canberra Olympic part way through the season and has since scored 10 goals in 12 matches. He immediately announced himself on the NSW Premier League Grade 20s scene, scoring 8 goals in his first 7 matches and in the process he instantly marked himself out as a huge threat to opposition defences across the league.
“I’ve felt really good about my season so far. You always want a little bit more from yourself as a player, but I started really well and I was helping the team, which is the main thing,” he said.
APIA Leichhardt’s Rod Williams is an experienced and highly qualified football coach and is renowned for his ability to produce talented young players. His sides have a reputation for playing proactive, possession based football and this season’s side is no different.
They are making a late charge for the top five in the Grade 20s competition and Taneski has scored has scored almost half of his team’s goals this season.
Taneski was effusive in his praise for Williams, who convinced the youngster to make the move to the NSW Premier League competition.
“I’m settled in. Rod welcomed me and obviously he’s been helping the team. He has his philosophy of passing football and he’s stuck by it and the results are coming now. I feel that as a team, we’re doing really well. Personally, I wouldn’t have scored as many goals or had the opportunity to do so if it wasn’t for the team at APIA and the people around me,” Taneski said. 
With a first grade spot in sight, Taneski could be forgiven for getting carried away with his early successes, but to his credit he is level headed and quite forthcoming about his future in the game. 
“Obviously, like everyone else the dream is to play overseas. But realistically, the aim is to kick on here. Hopefully I can get a few first grade appearances, keep working and see how far I get push myself in a league of this standard,” Taneski commented.
“I want to have a go and enjoy it whilst I’m doing it. There are the right people at APIA to do it, the President Tony Raciti has been really helpful and the sponsors make you feel welcome and give you the best chance of succeeding,” he continued.
With not even a full season of the Grade 20s competition under his belt, Taneski knows that time is on his side. When asked about his immediate plans, the striker was keen to focus on his progression as a footballer, first and foremost. 
“You can’t say too much about the future,” he remarked.
“At this stage, I’m looking to play out the rest of the season with APIA, I’m really happy with the people and with Rod (Williams) the coach and if I’m still here then I’d really love to be playing for APIA Leichhardt again next season,” Taneski concluded.
It is clear that Nick Taneski has made a wise choice in coming to APIA Leichhardt Tigers, and that he is grateful for the guidance and support of his coach and the hard work of his team mates. 
Rod Williams is happy to praise Taneski’s attitude, as well as his undoubted talent and it this combination of strengths that ensures the youngster of a very bright future in the game. 
-By Matt Connellan