Kasey Bos was influential in Melbourne Victory reaching the Isuzu UTE A-League Semi-Finals. He chats to aleagues.com.au ahead of this week’s first leg against Wellington Phoenix.
Melbourne City’s loss is Melbourne Victory’s gain.
Like his older brother and current Socceroos full-back Jordy, Kasey Bos too played for City.
The siblings spent time time together within the club’s academy setup but City’s relocation from Bundoora to Casey – in the outer south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne – in 2021 led to a cross-town switch to their rivals and the 20-year-old has not looked back.
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Bos made his A-Leagues debut against reigning premiers and defending champions Central Coast Mariners in February, while he came off the bench and helped inspire Victory’s unforgettable Elimination Final comeback against former club City last week.
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“I had a few years at Melbourne City’s academy with my brother for a bit,” Kasey Bos told aleagues.com.au ahead of Sunday’s Semi-Final first-leg showdown against Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
“Due to their relocation, I was fortunate enough to get a spot at Victory’s academy. From there, I really flourished under some good coaches and in a good environment.”
Kasey Bos has thrived since swapping the light blue of Melbourne City for the navy blue of Melbourne Victory four years ago.
The academy graduate played a key role in Victory’s promotion last season from NPL3 to the second tier of Victorian football.
In the Elimination Final, Bos came off the bench and teed up Nishan Velupillay’s 88th-minute equaliser before 10-man Victory stunned City in a wild penalty shoot-out.
He almost scored at the end of extra time, too.
“It was amazing,” Bos reflected. “To experience something like that. Being on the field and being able to create chances and ultimately help the team win.
“It’s something you dream of as a kid.”
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But Bos, who was elevated to the Isuzu UTE A-League squad in February, has had to be patient at Victory.
Victory head coach Tony Popovic revealed Bos had spent six months training with the senior team before he got anywhere near playing for the championship hopefuls.
“It’s part of the game. Without the hard work, not much can happen. Being at the club everyday, putting in the work,” said Bos.
“It’s something you have to do, even away from the club. During the journey, it’s what makes you as a player really.”
Popovic – a 58-time Socceroo who also spent five years with Crystal Palace in the UK – has had a huge impact on Bos’ development in Melbourne.
“His mentality has really driven me to be better,” former Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook junior Bos said. “The way he tells me to pass, control, go forward, what to do in situations. He has really helped me become a better player.”
Bos’ path to the senior team has been a result of his work at NPL level.
It also highlights the pathway between the club’s academy and senior side, with Joshua Inserra and Jordi Valadon also seeing minutes this season while academy graduate Franco Lino impressed before earning a move to Norway.
Popovic and his entire coaching staff were also at the club’s VPL1 game on Monday night as unbeaten leaders Victory edged Kingston City.
“100%,” Bos said when asked if Victory’s pathway from the academy to senior football gave him confidence. “I feel like that’s how I got my chance too.
“Consistently playing well in NPL games and hopefully the boss has a look at you and gives you a crack. The boys are doing really well now and hopefully some of those boys can get a chance too.”
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Bos has been compared to his brother Jordy in the past. Popovic said there were similarities between the pair in the aftermath of the penalty shoot-out win against City.
Does Kasey – also a full-back – see similarities?
“100%,” he replied. “We were both trained by our father at a very young age. We both have different body types, strengths and similarities.”
The biggest similarity?
“Our ability to dribble, cut in and make things happen.”
Jordy Bos burst onto the scene with City before earning a big move to Belgian Pro League outfit Westerlo at the start of 2023-24.
He has gone on to establish himself in the Socceroos squad, while scoring some stunning goals for his club side in Belgium this season.
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The brothers remain in contact and Jordy has been a “real help” in Kasey’s development – Jordy has given Kasey “tips” throughout the campaign.
Kasey Bos is heeding that advice and looking to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
“I have goals in the back of my mind. Hopefully to play for my country in the future,” he said.
“For now, playing consecutive minutes in the A-League and build my confidence.
“Hopefully follow in my brother’s footsteps and move across to Europe.”
