Phil Makrys is relishing the opportunity to represent his local club after joining the Rockdale City Suns for the PS4 National Premier League NSW Men’s 1 this season.
Makrys has been a mainstay in the competition for several years starting with the Bankstown City Lions before going on to captain Sydney Olympic and a one and a half year stint at the Blacktown Spartans.
But after being approached by the Suns, Makrys did not have to think twice and has enjoyed every minute of it thus far.
“I live two minutes away from our home ground so it is pretty easy for me,” he said.
“It’s been great so far in the preseason and I am really enjoying it.
“Obviously Branko (Culina) has been around for a long time and he probably has the best resume of all the coaches in the competition.
“The club and players have welcomed me in with open arms and that makes everything feel great.
“Training has been very intense, probably the most intense I have had in about five or six years.”
The premiership winning midfielder was joined by former Olympic and Spartans teammate Emmanual Giannaros at Rockdale.
After finishing fifth in the competition last year, Makrys is aware the club has an aim of finishing higher in 2015.
“Branko has high expectations on me and every other player in this squad,” he said.
“It is a very professional set up they have which makes things a lot easier on all the players.”
The Suns have had mixed results in the PS4 Preseason Cup but have shown their strength as well with an impressive 4-2 victory over the Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Despite not being named as a contender by opposing coaches, Makrys is confident the side can be a quiet achiever in 2015.
“I know a lot of the clubs are mentioning other teams as the ones to beat which suits us as we can fly under the radar,” he said.
“I think top four would be the minimum for us.
“We have a lot of experience with Paul Reid and Askin (Oygur) as well as a lot of depth with good talented youngsters coming through.”
-By Chris Georges
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