Special Feature: Professional career looming for Bonnyrigg’s David Vrankovic

At the age of 18, that vision has become a reality with the Bonnyrigg White Eagles defender selected in the Young Socceroos squad that will head to Brisbane this weekend for a training camp.
Vrankovic will pull on the green and gold ? albeit in training gear ? for the first time in a bid to impress the Australian coaches ahead of the AFC Under-19 Championships in November.
It is a just reward for the youngster who has been a key attribute in Bonnyrigg?s defence this year.
As one of the younger member?s in the White Eagles side, Vrankovic admits his team?s flying start to the 2012 season has helped quell some nerves.
?We?re top of the table and we?re playing good football so our position is justified,? Vrankovic said.
?It makes my job a lot easier knowing that we have a good team and we all play well together.
?As a young centre back, it?s not that easy playing against men so it?s good to be able to get results week in and week out.?
Vrankovic debuted for Sydney FC Youth at just 15 years of age under then youth coach Steve O?Connor. After two years in the sky blue, he moved to the Newcastle Jets and the Westfield High School graduate said opportunities beckoned from that point. It was then Brian ‘Bomber’ Brown that saw the potential young David had who then gave him the chance to play in the NSW Premier League.
?Steve was nice enough to give me a chance and that opened the door for me.
?Coaches were able to see what I am capable of doing.
“I owe alot to ‘Bomber’, he saw that I was able to make the step up to play in the NSW Premier League against men and I haven’t looked back since.
?Once I was able to play at such a young age, it got easier playing in the youth league so now I am looking to make the step forward and get a first team contract.?
That step could come sooner than expected with Vrankovic?s name being thrown around as a target for the new western Sydney A-League team.
It would be an ideal move for the Cecil Hills resident who has always had ambitions of beginning his professional career in Australia rather than travelling to Europe.
?I?ve never been overseas for a trial, I have always wanted to see what I can do in Australia first,? the defender said.
?(Western Sydney) would be the perfect club for me, it?s close to home and close to family.?
But until that call from western Sydney coach Tony Popovic comes, Vrankovic will be doing his best to ensure Bonnyrigg maintain their position at the summit of the NSW Premier League.
The youngster hopes consistent performances for his club will put him in the frame for selection in the Australian team at the 2012 AFC Championships and next year?s Under-20 World Cup.
-By Mitchell Grima