Football can be a funny game sometimes. Just ask Wellington Phoenix defender Antony Golec.
Frozen out at lowly Central Coast Mariners earlier this season, the prospect of playing in this season’s Hyundai A-League Finals Series seemed remote.
But interest from Wellington Phoenix soon sparked a permanent move for the 28-year-old central defender who was happy for a fresh start across the ditch in late January.
While Phoenix were seemingly flush with defensive options at the time, injuries to the likes of Steven Taylor, Michal Kopczynski, Tom Doyle, Dylan Fox and Justin Gulley quickly thrust Golec into action.
“I had to work hard and there were some injuries and I got my opportunity. I’d like to think I took it,” said Golec, who has played 90 minutes in the club’s last three matches.
“I worked hard but at the same time, the boys helped me a lot by playing well, which makes it a lot easier.
“You’ve got to give 100% every day in training and in the game. That’s what the coach expects, and that’s the minimum requirement as a professional footballer.
“We’ve had three wins in a row now and we’re really pushing for that playoff spot at home, which will be big for the club and the fans.”
Reluctant to discuss the end to his time in Gosford, Golec admitted he “wasn’t happy” at the Mariners and was delighted when Mark Rudan came calling.
“Things weren’t going the way I was hoping they would [at the Central Coast], he said.
“I spoke to some clubs, some came back and obviously one of them was Wellington.
“Having known Mark Rudan for a while and having had the chance to play with him at Sydney United at the end of his career, I knew what he was like as a coach and I was really excited by what he had started and what he’s turned this club into. I wanted to be part of that.”
READ: How to watch Hyundai A-League Round 24
WATCH: Every goal from Round 23
INSIGHT: The unsung hero behind Wellington’s rise
Golec has had to deal with an injury issue of his own in recent weeks when a wire came loose in his knee which protruded out of his skin.
But he has managed to deal with the problem for the last three games and will continue to push through the pain barrier with the club on track for a top-four finish.
“I guess there is a little bit [of excitement], but we’re not losing focus. We want a home final – that’s our goal,” Golec declared.
“If we can go higher we’ll go higher, if we need to push more we’ll push more. We want to win every game and finish as high as possible.”
Phoenix travels to Adelaide on Sunday for a huge clash with the fifth-placed Reds at Coopers Stadium.
Wellington are currently three points ahead of Adelaide, with a win all-but assuring Rudan’s troops of a top-four berth.
