One of the feel-good stories of the 2020/21 A-League season to date has been the discovery of Macarthur FC live-wire Lachlan Rose.
Plucked from NSW NPL 2 by Bulls boss Ante Milicic, Rose revealed he had to pinch himself when given the chance to ply his trade in the A-League this season.
The wide-eyed, enthusiastic attacker has since featured in every Bulls fixture to date this season, proving his willingness to seize his dream opportunity and repay Milicic for seeing him as an uncut gem glittering in the rough.
The fans have taken notice, too. Rose has quickly developed cult hero status at the Bulls: his long, golden locks have inspired wigs worn in the stands, and social media has been awash with both praise for the young forward and discussion regarding just how good he can be, if he converts his speckled moments of brilliance into stellar 90-minute shifts.
But with the hype swirling around Rose’s head, there’s peace between his ears. On his shoulders sits a level head brimming with motivation to improve his game, which has gotten him only so far to date.
“It was a big jump,” Rose admitted when assessing the difference in quality between NPL 2 and the A-League.
“I wasn’t used to it, but for me especially it was more about working even harder than I have before.
“Even now still to this day I’m working as hard as I was before, because I know I’m nowhere near the top level.
You can improve every single day, and my aim is to become better and better and take on as much advice and the guidance from not only the coaching staff and the players as well.
That will never change, that’s my attitude towards anything.”
“I wish I had the talent but I got here pretty much because of me working hard… that’s the main thing: learning and trying to become a better footballer each day as it comes, and just stay the same person I am.”
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Rose continued: “I don’t think I ever get a big head. I’m a sort of grounded type person all-round.
“I’m just my normal self still, I’m not changing who I am.
“It’s just who I am… I’ll stay like that.”
Rose was speaking at the opening of Macarthur’s Experience Store at Macarthur Square on January 28.
Autographs, pictures and conversations with fans ensued. It was business as usual for the plethora of experienced pros in the Bulls squad, but for Rose it was yet another reminder of how far he’s come since signing for the Bulls in in November, 2020.
“It’s something different for me,” he said.
“I haven’t experienced that stuff before, especially coming from where I’ve come from.
“I’m used to just playing in front of Mum and Dad.
“It’s just amazing to see the support, not just behind myself but the team. It’s just good to meet the fans… it’s something you don’t get to do often.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Members preview of the Experience Store at Macarthur Square this afternoon.
The Macarthur FC Experience Store is NOW OPEN! Level 3 near the food court.#MFCBulls #RunWithTheHerd pic.twitter.com/izPdu8UDNj
— Macarthur FC (@mfcbulls) January 28, 2021
“I guess after a game it’s a bit hard, and to meet them face to face and at least brighten up their day, it means a lot to us players as well to see the support we have behind us for this year- it’s heartwarming to see.
“I was one of those kids when I was younger, and growing up that was my dream to be [on this] stage, and I got here.
“To make a younger kids day, that’s nothing for me, I just want to help the younger generation come through and be an idol if it is, because I was once one of them.
“For them to come watch us especially is just amazing for me.”
Rose is in action next when Macarthur host Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday, February 6.
Macarthur FC v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Saturday, 6 February 2021
Kick-off: 7.10pm AEDT
Venue: Campbelltown Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
Match Centre
Ways to watch
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