Name: Matthew Bozinovski
Position: Centre-back
Age: 20
Joined Victory: 2018
Youth teams: Spring Hills SC and Hume City
Joining Victory
Matthew Bozinovski and his family were already Melbourne Victory members when he caught the attention of the Club’s Technical Director and NPL Coach in 2018.
After a string of impressive performances in Hume City colours, Victory’s personnel were convinced and Bozinovski’s journey in navy blue began.
Youth
Bozinovski’s primary source of inspiration came from within his own family, thanks to a footballing relative and supportive parents.
“My uncle, Zoran Petrevski, played in the National Premier League and had a contract for Queensland [Brisbane] Roar so I idolised him,” said Bozinovski.
“Both of parents have also been very encouraging. They would drive me to and from training, often after work, and they’ve pushed me in the right direction.
“On the pitch, I based my game around Nemanja Vidic as I see myself as an aggressive centre-back who enjoys defending.”
NPL
Bozinovski recently took a short break from Victory’s NPL campaign to attend a training camp with North Macedonia Under-21s, an experience that furthered his development as a young defender.
“It was an unforgettable experience and it opened my eyes to European football,” said the 20-year-old.
“It was great to test myself against players of that quality and I received some good feedback from how I played against Slovenia.”
Bozinovski has since completed quarantine and is back in action for Victory.
“I think I’ve been consistent this season, having played every minute that I’ve been available for,” he said.
First team
While Bozinovski’s attention turns to gaining results in the NPL 3 Victoria, the centre-back has spent time with the A-League squad – making the bench for a match at Marvel Stadium.
“It was surreal to be called up for the Western United game,” he said.
“I was trying to soak it all in, but I was ready to take up the opportunity. I had been doing well at training, performing well in the NPL and eager to make my debut.”
For now, Bozinovski is focused on his future as a young Victory player with the aim of impressing coaches at home and abroad.
“First and foremost, I want to play for Melbourne Victory which means earning a professional contract and making my debut,” said the defender.
“I also hope to be selected again by North Macedonia for the Under-21 European qualifiers against France and Serbia.”
