Evan Berger: Title success before future
Marconi Stallions winger Evan Berger is eager to take his team to back to back IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 titles after returning from the A-League.
Berger, 25, made 40 appearances for the Stallions between 2005 and 2007 before being snapped up by the Melbourne Victory.
After making the move to the Perth Glory in 2011 Berger succumbed to a hamstring injury and had a year off before joining Marconi.
“It’s a bit surreal but good to be back at the Stallions,’’ Berger said.
“I got a very good grounding when I was here originally under Brian Brown and also I had some good professionals like Luke Casserly and Brad Maloney to work off.
“It’s good to be back and this group of boys is a talented group and hopefully we can go on to bigger and better things.’’
Admitting his teammates have told him all about their premiership success last season, Berger is hoping to help his side to back to back league titles.
“I get reminded by the boys that they won it all last year,’’ he said.
“Obviously we would love to do it again. We are under no illusions that it is going to be tough but that’s our goal, first to get into the top five and then go on and defend our title.
“They are a great bunch of boys, very level headed with a great work ethic.
“I have really enjoyed my first few weeks here and I am looking forward to working hard with them even more and hopefully push into that top five.’’
But the enigmatic winger also has his professional career in the back of his mind.
After being cut off by the Perth Glory, Berger has returned to the Stallions to springboard back into the A-League.
And he believes there are a lot of players with the capabilities to make the step up to the A-League from the IGA NSW National Premier Leagues Mens 1 competition.
“If nothing comes from the A-League then I can try push into Asia or try my luck in Europe on trial,’’ he said.
“But first and foremost is coming back here, getting the confidence back in the body and match fitness and get back into the shop window again.
“There are still a lot of quality players here but I think the big difference is the speed of the game.
“That obviously comes with the A-League being fully professional.
“There’s no doubt there are a lot of quality players in this league that can do very well in the A-League.’’
-By Chris Georges
