Burgess finding feet with Branko’s Suns

Rockdale City Suns look to have unearthed another terrific prospect in 18-year old Max Burgess who spent last year honing his trade in Spain but broke into the Suns first team in Round 2 this year against Sydney United 58.
“Part of the reason I chose the Suns was Branko Culina who I knew would give youngsters a chance and also to learn and progress my game under what I consider a great coach.
“I spent last year at an Academy in Barcelona in the U/19s but I had a couple of problems with my visa so I had to come back to Australia to sort that out and meantime I couldn’t be happier with how things have gone for me so far.
“I’m enjoying my football here but there is always the option of going back to Spain as they ask if you would be interested in returning and of course, like anyone, you would have to be interested surely and now that I have turned eighteen I can get a Student Visa but I am not sure how that works yet so will wait and see what happens from here as I am happy and want to keep progressing my game.”
The differences between a ‘football loving nation’ and Australia are gulfs apart.
“Obviously over there it is football, football, football every day but it is nice to be home, however it’s hard as you miss the constant football way of life once you’ve experienced it to be honest.”
Playing football isn’t all this likeable kid does, he is also in the middle of finishing his year 12 studies with the H.S.C. exams looming so it must be hard to juggle all the aspects.
“I suppose it’s more a matter of time management and obviously football is the main objective but if that doesn’t pan out for any reason I will have something to fall back on.
“I think education is very important and going to University is always an option if needs be but I am not looking at a particular profession outside of football just yet but it is nice to know I have something to fall back on and to be able to balance it out at the moment.”
An extremely level headed young player he does let the serious side slip when talking about his wife and kids.
“No, no I haven’t got them yet, too much on my plate to worry about that just now,” he adds laughingly before continuing: “I’m quite happy with mum and dad and my little brother thanks.”
Speaking of his brother he utters with a sense of pride.
“He is just 14-years old and is playing with Sutherland Sharks U/16s at the moment but he was also overseas but is obviously back now too.”
Back to the coach and a glowing response from the youngster.
“When I heard he (Culina) was the coach here at Rockdale I was driven to come here because I was really enticed by that prospect. I know how he likes a certain style of football and is prepared to give youth a chance so that’s why I came to the club and to hopefully get that opportunity to play in the first team at some stage and I have been fortunate that it has come so quickly.
“I’ve always been confident but in getting my chance so soon is due to injuries and suspensions so while I have the opportunity I need to ensure I make it difficult for the coach to leave me out when everyone’s back by playing at my best and hopefully I can do that and show what I have to offer and repay the faith shown in me.”
When speaking you hear the confidence in his voice with no hint of arrogance yet for one of such tender years he talks like a seasoned pro when adding.
“I feel we have the team that can really give the Top Five a good shake and when you look at the calibre of player here in Brendan Gan, Sash Tirovski and Paul Reid to mention just a few and the prospects are very exciting. Add Askin Oygur and Paul Kohler to the mix and there are big game players here and with a coach like Branko at the helm I believe we can go far.”
There will also be competition for spots when everyone is back so surely that will be healthy for a club with ambition.
“Of course and the more we play together the more improvement we are showing from game to game and that will be heightened when everyone is on board which is the best thing that could happen.
“There will be further drive for each position and that will spur everyone on as no-one will want a poor game in case they are dropped and cannot get back into the starting eleven and that is good in a side.”
Then comes the small matter of the ‘keeper, Diego Barcena, who speaks little in the way of English.
“When it comes to speaking to Diego (Barcena the Rockdale shot stopper) it is usually myself or Richie (Cardozo) who help out with the translation but his English is coming along slowly.
“I think he has learnt a few words already but you might not be able to print them,” he laughs.
On a more serious note, Burgess netted his debut goal against Manly United in Round Five when taking the chance will grace and style, just as he handled his first official interview and should he continue the way he has begun, both on and off the field, you’ll be hearing an awful lot more about the kid.
-By Micky Brock