Adam D’Apuzzo chasing Champion of Champions success
Adam D’Apuzzo was an uncompromising defender in the Hyundai A-League, racking up over 150 appearances for both Newcastle Jets and the Western Sydney Wanderers as well as being part of the Asian Champions League winning squad with Tony Popovic.
Now he is aiming for more glory with Canterbury District Football Association side Inter Lions’ All Ages Men’s at this Sunday’s PUMA Champion of Champions.
It wasn’t all roses for D’Apuzzo since his retirement in 2014.
The 2007-08 championship winner with the Jets was lost to football for a two year stretch when he gave the game away.
It took a friend to coax the 150-game A-League veteran back onto the field for the Inter Lions All Age Men’s team.
“It was a good opportunity to keep fit, especially as I spent two years away from football. Near the end, I was finding any excuse not to play but now, I have joined some mates at Inter Lions, and it has been great to rediscover a passion for the game.” said the defender.
On his team, D’Apuzzo hopes that his work in the side can propel them to an elusive PUMA Champion of Champions title after several missed opportunities.
“I have joined them for the first time this year while the rest of the boys have been together the last six years. They have won their district competition but we can’t get over the final hurdle in this competition PUMA Champion of Champions].
Speaking more about his All Age side, D’Apuzzo hoped the experience of the team which includes some well-known names around State League football – Con Pavlidis, James Kovas, Anthony Sarmonikas, Joseph Cartisano, Reuben Lagos, Nick Paradisis can be their catalyst to success on Sunday.
“Most of the teams we face in our regular competition are younger than ourselves, so the experience factor in the team comes to the fore during matches and helped us get to this weekend.”
The PUMA Champion of Champions is a unique concept, bringing the best teams from across NSW to Valentine Sports Park for a one-day gala event. That experience will bring some challenges for D’Apuzzo’s Lions side in preparing for the game.
“We are happy with our squad and form so it will be interesting taking on a team in [Doonside Hawks] that we have never faced. We will try to adapt early on in the contest and see how they line up. In saying that, that fact is true for both sides. ” added the defender.
Overall, the experience of grassroots football after the high profile of the A-League has been a rewarding experience for the former Jet and Wanderer.
“I have only just realised how big this [PUMA Champion of Champions] event is but I have been impressed with the overall presentation and organisation of the competition.”
Although it can be difficult to get eyes on these games remarked D’Apuzzo, competitions like the PUMA Champion of Champions and the Westfield FFA Cup has shone a light on grassroots football that can only be good for the game.
-By Justin Davies
