As a defender Central Coast Mariner Pedj Bojic rarely got a chance to show off his skills during his first year in the Hyundai A-League last season.
His main job was to be safe at the back and shut down attacking raids from opposition strikers.
Now the former Northampton Town player is making the most of an opportunity to play with a more attacking mindset.
Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna picked Bojic in midfield in the club’s final Asian Champions League match and he did not disappoint.
He stayed in the position throughout the pre-season and was strong in last week’s shock win against Melbourne.
He is out for another big contribution when the Mariners battle Newcastle in round two at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Friday night.
“Lawrie gave me a chance in midfield in the Champions League and I did OK,” Bojic said.
“I’ve played in the midfield before and really enjoy it.
“It’s good to push forward and I think there’s less pressure then in defence.
“In defence if you make a mistake it can be a goal.”
The move to midfield came at the perfect time for Bojic, who lost his place in Central Coast’s starting side near the back end of last season.
He now looks set to be a key figure as the Mariners strive for another semi-final appearance this campaign.
“Pedj is a great athlete and has looked really good since he’s been in midfield,” McKinna said.
“He’s still learning but so far he’s doing great for us.”
McKinna said another feature of Bojic’s strong pre-season form was his powerful freekicks.
He found the back of the net three times from dead ball situations and will continue to take freekicks in the Hyundai A-League.
