Frosty looking forward to chilling
After being one of the standout shot stoppers in NPL football over the past 15 years, Dulwich Hill’s Michael Frost has decided to hang up his gloves at the end of this current season.
Michael Frost – or ‘Frosty’ as he is well known as – has had a career that has taken him across continents, countries and many leagues, and he shares his experiences with Football NSW ahead of his final game of his career.
We find out who his greatest influences were, who his childhood hero was, and the secret behind his penalty saving heroics, a quality that he has become very well known for over the years.
Full name Michael John Frost
Date of birth / birthplace 25/1/1984 Sydney
Family Married to Danielle, father to son – Charlie – 15 months old, and ‘Moose’ the cavoodle, and bump due October
Biggest influence on your career and why
My family without doubt, particularly my dad, Graham.
He realised I had a passion and encouraged me to follow it and helped in any way possible. He spent many hours driving to training and games, and supported every decision I made, encouraging me to chase my goals, especially when I went to the UK and later to the USA.
My mum, Sandra, who never complained about the driving, the time on the weekends, and the money associated with extra sessions and equipment etc. and my brother, Marcus, who was constantly dragging me down to the park and ‘helping’ me by shooting and scoring against me, always giving me great advice whenever I needed it.
Best player you played with and why
This is a tough one, there has been lots of great players.
Off the top of my head, Luke Giverin last year was phenomenal to watch, and prior to that, Davor Bajsic at Sydney United was always two steps ahead of the opposition.
Best player you played against
John Aloisi – who I faced in a friendly between Sydney United and Sydney FC. It was a thrill to play against him, after having watched him score that penalty against Uruguay, as well as the goal at the World Cup against Japan.
Overseas team you support
Manchester United. As a goalkeeper growing up in the 90s, Peter Schmeichel posters covered most of my wall, and by extension, I became a massive fan of United as well.
Favourite player overseas and why
Favourite player of all time is the great Dane, Peter Schmeichel.
He wasn’t a ‘textbook’ goalkeeper at the time, but he made amazing saves, had a dominating presence, and when he was on the pitch everyone knew it…..in the 90s, he was it.
Biggest achievement in football
Probably obtaining the scholarship to the US – it changed my life, and represented a reward for a lot of hard work.
Biggest disappointment in football
When I returned from the USA after being away four years I was prime and in the form of my life, but couldn’t even get a trial at any NPL 1 or 2 club at the time….. it was a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
Best save you have ever made
Playing College soccer in the US, I made a triple save.
Player was through one on one, I saved it, then another player hit the rebound which I got up and saved, and a third player then came in and hit the third shot which I managed to save at full stretch………. but we lost 6-0.
Most important save you have ever made
It was the last day of the 2014 season and I was playing for Fraser Park, trying to avoid relegation. A Sydney University player was through and faced me in one on one late in the game, and I saved at his feet. The game finished 0-0 and we survived relegation on goal difference.
Best team you played in and why
I cannot decide between two that I have played with.
Sydney United(2009) – we were strong all over the park, and had at least 2 top players for every position, as well as the best coaching staff and set up in the league. We never doubted we were going to win every time we showed up, with players such as Millicic, Vrkic, Janjetovic, Damon Collina, Luka Glavas, I could go on and on, there were too many great players to name.
Dulwich Hill 2008 – a great team full of ex NSL players and ex internationals. With Rafael Bove, Norman Tome, Harry James etc we played some great football and scored some great goals. I was lucky to play with that calibre of player at NPL3 level.
‘Luckiest’ Moment –
1.Sitting in the dressing room after a reserve team game for Marconi in 2004 with Todd Brodie, chatting about ‘where to’ next, and he suggested College in merica. He said “I can help you out, I’lll make a few phone calls”.
I didn’t expect anything to come of it, but next thing I knew a coach rang me within 24 hours and and 6 months later I was on a plane to Southern USA. I was lucky to get to train in a full time environment, play football every day, and most importantly, meet my now wife. It was such a great experience. I probably owe Todd a few beers!
2.Sean Lahiff became the goalkeeper coach at Manly in 2002, and within 6 months I’d gone from playing alternate weeks in U/18s to playing semi final football in First Grade. Not only did he improve me dramatically, but he also organized a trial in the UK that would be one the best experiences I had in football.
Advice to young goal keepers
Listen, work hard, and be patient – improvement takes time.
Why do you have such a successful rate of saving penalties?
Probably luck, but I wait as long as possible before diving.
Generally the player wants to look where he is hitting the ball right before. If he is watching you, I wait until the last minute to make up my mind, because if he’s looking at me, it usually means he hasn’t made up his mind either.
Family responsibilities and work commitments have started to take their toll, and Michael Frost has decided that enough is enough, and that football needs to take a back seat, even though at 34 years old, he is relatively young for a goal keeper compared to others around the world and in the NPL 3!
All in the football community wish Michael Frost and his family all the very best in retirement, and in the meantime, get out to Arlington Oval on Sunday, September 2nd, where ‘Frosty’ will look to keep a clean sheet – and even produce a penalty save if required! – as Dulwich Hill take on Dunbar Rovers at 3pm in the final round of the National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s competition.
