Perth Glory best-and-fairest winner Adriano Pellegrino said he was spurred on during a break-out season by the belief fans didn’t think he was loyal to a club.
The 2008/09 Most Glorious Player (MGP) enjoyed a remarkable first year in the Hyundai A-League, starting every match and establishing himself as a dangerous right winger while also kicking two goals, including a contender for goal of the season against Melbourne in November.
But the 24-year-old felt there was a belief back in his native Adelaide that he lacked commitment after leaving South Australian club Metro Stars for a stint with Greek side Panahaiki back in 2006.
And it was that belief that spurred Pellegrino on as he was determined to prove his loyalty to a Perth fan base that welcomed him with open arms.
“I’m just very honoured to be on this trophy,” said Pellegrino, whose also been rewarded for his efforts with a new two-year contract at the club.
“(Especially) with all the other boys that have put their mark on it and gone on to be legends, not only of the game, but of Perth Glory.”
“Hopefully this has shown supporters that I gave my all this year and I want to be around at the Glory for a long time.”
“I had that one year with Adelaide United and went overseas and came back to Adelaide and didn’t get looked at, at all.”
“(So) sometimes you are afraid you’re getting looked at as someone who doesn’t want to be around the club and someone who just jumps ship whenever it’s time.”
“But I guess my aim was to come to the Glory and do well and be given a chance by ‘Mitch’ (coach Dave Mitchell).”
“And now, I’m going to try and set myself a benchmark where I can be a core of this team for a while to come and show a bit of loyalty as well at the same time.”
Pellegrino said his goal at the start of the season was just to be a consistent squad member, adding that winning the MGP with 23 votes – eight ahead of second-placed Jamie Harnwell – was another category of expectation altogether.
But the dogged midfielder said he was determined to take his game to another level and ensure Perth made its debut Hyundai A-League finals appearance next season.
“We showed this year that we nearly scraped in there and we had a really dismal start to the first half of the year,” Pellegrino said.
“But the boys showed some character and came back and I think if we have a good start to the year now, with Mitch on board and with a core bunch of boys from last season, which he didn’t have when he first came into the job … I think definitely we’re going to make the finals.”
“Without a doubt next year, top six, we have to be there, we have to be there.”
