Central Coast Mariners star Tomas Rogic has been named February’s nominee for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year.
Football Federation Australia and NAB, together with the Central Coast Mariners, are proud to announce the fifth nominee for the 2011/12 NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
Tomas Rogic from the Central Coast Mariners was voted as the most outstanding U21 player for the month of February following a string of standout performances.
Rogic is the fourth Mariner in as many months – following Bernie Ibini (November), Mustafa Amini (December) and Mathew Ryan (January) – to be nominated for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
Indeed, Rogic earned the applause of teammates, fans and pundits alike, netting twice in February. He was also instrumental in much of the Mariners- best attacking play.
Away to Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on February 10, the silky playmaker glided through the heart of midfield before unleashing a firm left foot shot past a hapless Ante Covic.
Eight days later at Bluetongue Stadium, Rogic curled a precise left foot shot past Mark Paston to further endear him to the Mariners faithful.
Rogic said he was pleased to being seeing his hard work recognised.
“(I-m) very happy and very proud,” said Rogic. “I-ve been working very hard for something like this to happen, so I am enjoying the moment.”
Asked why he thought the Mariners had made it four nominations in a row, Rogic said: “The youth here have been given an opportunity to play. Obviously there-s a lot of talented young boys here, but I think being placed in the right environment here at the Mariners where they-re brought through the right way and encouraged.”
Mariners Assistant Coach, Phil Moss, said another Mariners selection was a magnificent compliment to the work happening at the club.
“We-re very proud of all the boys,” Moss said. “Musti (Mustafa Amini,) Maty (Mathew Ryan), Bernie (Ibini), and now Tommy Rogic … it shows that Arnie is prepared to invest his time in youth and I think that-s the most important thing.”
“Tommy-s only new to the club as far as a signed player goes but he has made a real impression early on.”
“He-s got such great balance and awareness for a big boy.”
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 personal investment portfolio, a NAB Private Client Manager to assist with a range of banking and financial services, and the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
To aid the development of future football stars NAB have generously donated a $3,000 equipment pack that will go to Rogic-s chosen junior football institution, Canberra-s Tuggeranong United FC.
