Position: Midfield
Age: 18
Joined Victory: 2022
Youth teams: Northcote, Skillaroos, Melbourne City
Menelaou is excelling as a defensive midfielder in Victory’s NPL team this season after making the move across from City.
The 18-year-old is building confidence every week as he competes at senior NPL level.
“I’m always looking to get on the ball, face forward, go forward and don’t mind having a shot every now and then,” Menelaou said.
“I’ve always been a midfielder; I love playing in the middle. I like to create a lot of trouble for the opposition.”
TIME AT VICTORY
Menealou was playing under Victory academy coach Joe Palatsides at Melbourne City and followed Joe across to Victory earlier this year.
“I was looking for a new route to excel going forward and with Joe being appointed academy coach at Victory, it was a really good chance to come across,” Menelaou said.
“He’s seen me develop as a younger player to where I am now. He’s really helped me make the move across and play my best football.”
Palatsides has produced the best out of Menelaou, who is one of the younger regulars in Victory’s NPL side.
“It’s been a good challenge to make my way forward in the Club,” he said.
“Everyone at Victory has helped assist me earn consistent game time in the NPL.
“It’s been nothing but good so far. It’s a really good bunch of boys and the staff are great.”
ASPIRATIONS
At just 18 years of age, Menelaou’s best football is well ahead of him and a professional career is firmly in his sights.
“I want to play professional football at the highest level. I want to make a real career out of it,” he said.
