When Danny Vukovic steps out on AAMI Park this Saturday night, in the top-of-the-table clash against Melbourne Victory, the Glory custodian will be the first player, to equal Matt Thompson’s leading record of 221 Hyundai A-League appearances.
And at only 29 (he turns 30 in three weeks) Vukovic is well placed to set a new appearance record, with two years remaining on his current contract.
The milestones don’t end there. This weekend will also mark the 100th game Vukovic will play in Glory colours.
“It was a big decision for me and my family but one I’m glad I took, ” said Vukovic who moved from Wellington to Perth at the beginning of the 2011/12 season.
“That was a year when we made the grand final and there have been a lot of similarities going into this year with that, back then.
“I thought we had what it took to win it and it’s now up to us, to turn this form around and make the most of it and win the next couple of games.”
Vukovic, has achieved plenty in his 10 years in the Hyundai A-League and hopes to play for years to come.
“It feels only like yesterday, when I played my first game in the A-League. It’s gone that quick but I’m really proud of the way the game has come in the last 10 years and to have been part of the league in that time and to see how far it’s come, it’s been amazing.”
Time will tell how the talented keeper juggles life and football. Vukovic, arguably in the best form of his career, is due to be a father for the first time later this year.
“Yeah it’s a massive change in my life for me and my wife Kristy. They say life changes when you have kids I’m sure it will we both can’t wait, we’ve got about four months to go.”
But between now and then, football comes first.
“Taking out the minor premiership has to be our goal, we’ve been on top for so long now and we need to keep going and hopefully we can cap off this year with a Grand Final victory, and then a baby after that.”
