Perth Glory head coach Ruben Zadkovich has labelled former New Zealand youth international Keegan Jelacic “the brightest talent in Australian football” as the 20-year-old appears set to commit his long-term future to green and gold.
In midweek Jelacic – who represented New Zealand at U17 level – was selected as part of an Olyroos training camp set to take place in Europe between March 20-28, beginning preparation for the nation’s qualification run toward the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The silky Glory talent was a key contributor in his side’s stoic 1-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at HBF Park on Friday night, after which Zadkovich identified Jelacic, along with fellow Olyroo and Wanderers midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof, out as two of Australia’s most exciting young prospects to watch develop in the coming years.
“(Jelacic) has got New Zealand and Australia chasing him,” Zadkovich told reporters post-match. “I’ve had some really in-depth conversations with young ‘Keegs’.
“He’s a young man who for me is the brightest talent in Australian football.
“I know that’s a pretty big statement, and there’ll be others who disagree. He’s got so many areas to improve in terms of in front of goal, final third and end product, but from where I had him to where he is, is actually very scary.”
MATCH REPORT: Ten-man Glory secure famous 1-0 win over Wanderers
Jelacic was pivotal to Glory’s shock 1-0 win on Friday night, providing a much-needed attacking outlet in transition for the home side after Jordan Elsey’s straight red card in just the second minute of play at HBF Park.
Jelacic played all 98 minutes as the 10-man Glory survived a relentless Wanderers onslaught before snatching all three points via Aaron McEneff’s 95th-minute winner.
“I haven’t seen someone take on information, I haven’t seen someone work that hard consistently every single day since he’s been here, from the first day when he arrived until now,” Zadkovich added.
“I haven’t seen a player with that calmness on the ball, that composure, the ability to learn quick. I think he’s a frightening talent.
“There was another one on the pitch tonight, young Calem Nieuwenhof for (the Wanderers), I think he’s another fantastic one. Those two are both outstanding talents.
“If Keegan ends up with Australia – which that looks like that’s the way it’s going – it’s a fantastic pickup.
“Potential is one thing, and the outcome is a different thing. He’ll still have to grow, he’ll still have to learn and he’ll need a bit of luck on the way, but extremely proud of how he’s travelling. I think it’s clear to see for everyone just how good he is.”
READ: Jelacic named in Olyroos squad for Paris camp
A record night for A-League Men dismissals
With Jordan Elsey and Tomislav Mrcela both sent to the stands for red card offences in Friday’s clash between Glory and Wanderers at HBF Park, the total amount of dismissals in the 2022-23 Isuzu UTE A-League season climbed to 41.
That’s an all-time league record, currently shared with the 2010-11 season. There’s still the best part of seven rounds to play in the current campaign.
After his side’s 1-0 win, Glory boss Zadkovich bemoaned what he perceived as over-officiating from the referees this season – but Wanderers head coach Marko Rudan had a different take on the rate of red cards.
Rudan acknowledged the total number of send-offs was high – but said the officiating had been consistent all season and carried out in a manner that the clubs were told to expect in the pre-season.
“There has been a lot (of red cards), that’s for sure,” Rudan told reporters post-match. “But we were all made aware of the rules, we were very clear on what the rules were at the start of the year.
“And so us coaches have to coach, and understand that. So it is a lot, but again it goes down to consistency, and they’ve been consistent with their decisions. And that’s all we can ask for.
“It’s not a matter of how many there’s been, and if it’s history made with how many have been dished. It’s about being consistent and playing to the letter of the law which they’ve been doing. I’ve got no qualms about that. I would if there was inconsistency.”
Zadkovich, however, expressed a different opinion. He felt what he saw on Friday night, with Glory defender Elsey receiving the equal-fastest red card in A-League Men history for planting his studs on the back of the legs of Wanderers winger Yeni Ngbakoto, was an example of the referees playing a heavy hand.
“For me, it’s not a red card,” Zadkovich said. “It might be a yellow card, he’s caught him in the back of the leg, But to send him off in the first minute for a challenge like that, for me ruins the game.
“It makes it too much about the referees, which in the A-League, you’ve only got to look at the stats this year with the amount of red cards and suspensions, that’s becoming a huge talking point: referees and decisions. I think they need to stay out of the game a bit and let the guys play.”
