All guns blazing for Max Burgess

For a historic club within the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s, Sydney Olympic have been somewhat starved of success as of late.

After failing to make a serious claim for the title since their last championship in 2011, ‘Olympic’ have begun the 2017 season undefeated, fast becoming one of the most revered sides in the league.

In a campaign that is still relatively young, Max Burgess is already proving to be one of the signings of the season.

After spending most of his teenage years under the guidance of both Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets, Burgess has seemingly come of age under new Sydney Olympic head coach Jaime Monroy.

Burgess’ standout performances have seen him feature more often than not in the ‘PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Team of The Week’ as a result of being the most in form Midfielder in the league.

“Jaime is fantastic manager to play under. When he contacted me in the preseason about potentially making the move to Belmore, I knew if I didn’t go, I’d regret it. He has an exciting vision for the club and it was something I wanted to be part of.

“There is a lot of talent within the squad this year, bringing with it healthy competition for spots come game day. We have all really taken to Jaime getting behind the style of football he wants to play and I think that’s been evident so far this season.”

In an undefeated start, sitting two-points off top spot, Burgess has been one of the team’s crucial lynch pins putting in performances that are getting more and more noticeable as the weeks go by.

“On a personal note I’m pleased to be playing well. Footballers at this level want to be playing well week in week out and I’m no different.

“In saying that I wouldn’t be able to put in the performances I am if it wasn’t for my other teammates. We have all been playing fantastically and our start to the season is a testament to that.

“As a whole squad, we have a great chemistry on and off the pitch.

“We all get on really well and starting to become a real close group.

“We all want to work hard for each other and that has showed when we have come out on top in tight games. We are an ambitious group who will no doubt want to be right up there come finals time.

“We have laid the foundations for this to be a great year for the club.

“There’s a rich history here at Sydney Olympic Football Club and we want to add to that this year.

“If we can maintain the possession based football we have been playing and stay focused on the task at hand, there’s nothing we can’t achieve this year.”

With his time split between football and an Economics degree at Sydney University, it will be interesting to see how Burgess develops as the season progresses.

For a young man with a great approach to the game, in a side that oozes talent across the park, is this the year we see Sydney Olympic Football Club return to the top?

Only time will tell in what is shaping up to be another memorable season of PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s football.

Catch Max and the team as they face Blacktown City FC in what will be a huge encounter this Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground with kick off scheduled for 3pm – the match will also be Live Streamed on the PS4 NPL Facebook page.

-By Joseph Esposito