Tomislav Romic: The man with the Golden Glove
ANYONE who watched APIA Leichhardt Tigers this week in the Westfield FFA Cup at Lambert Park asked the same question at the final whistle – who was the SD Raiders goalkeeper?
The answer is Tomislav Romic.
He was simply outstanding, denying countless attacking raids from the home side across 120 minutes of gripping football.
History shows APIA progressed to the round of 32 thanks to a last gasp winner from Paul Galimi, leaving Romic shattered.
“It was tough to take, we battled for so long,” the 30-year-old said.
“We were massive underdogs, but we managed to beat some good teams along the way.
“It could have been history in the making for our club, but it wasn’t to be.”
Romic began playing for Sydney United 58 FC at the age of six.
He stayed with the former National Soccer League heavyweights until the age of 13, when Parramatta Melita came calling.
“Back then they had a Centre of Excellence at Melita Stadium, with a pathway to the NSL via Parramatta Power,” Romic recalled.
“I then went back to Sydney United 58 for the under-15s before deciding to try my luck overseas.”
Croatia was Romic’s destination, and such was his ability, the gloveman was offered a first team contract with the now defunct NK Kamen Ingrad.
“Unfortunately I couldn’t get a clearance from the FFA because I was a minor,” he said.
“I often wonder what could have been, but I guess it was part of my football journey.”
Romic returned to Australia in 2010, and was on the books of Macarthur Rams in the second tier Super League.
A second spell at Parramatta FC was next, before once again linking with Sydney United 58.
“Vedran Janjetovic took up a deal with Sydney FC, so there was an opportunity for me in goal,” the father of two said.
“Everything was going well until I got injured against Blacktown City FC.”
Injured is an understatement.
Romic snapped a number of ligaments after landing awkwardly, resulting in a two-year spell on the sidelines.
The builder thought he was done with football until SD Raiders came calling.
“They are an ambitious club (in NPL 3), I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.
“I’ve loved my time there, they have big plans for their future.”
Romic is tipped to once again be a Sydney United 58 FC player under coach Mark Rudan following his midweek heroics.
Nothing is finalised at this stage, but he chose the perfect time to have the game of his life.
“I wouldn’t say no if a club of their stature got in contact with me,” he said.
“I’d love to play in the Hyundai A-League, you shouldn’t have regrets in life.
“We will see what happens, football is all about taking opportunities.”
