Ivan Necevski
Age 27
Club Blacktown City Demons
League NSW Premier League
Position Goalkeeper

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“It was like Rocky!” recalls Ivan Necevski of his A-League debut.

After years paying his dues in the NSW Premier League, the imposing keeper finally got his shot after signing a short term contract with the Jets last season. And it just happened to be at Telstra Dome in front of 28,000 rabid Victory fans.

Number one Ben Kennedy injured his arm after just 10 minutes. Enter the debutant. For the following 80 minutes, a rampant Melbourne threw everything at Necevski: but save after save repelled the Blue wave, while a Milton Rodriguez winner ensured it was a night to remember for the Jets.

“I remember Ernie Merrick saying I was man of the match,” recalls Necevski, who also played twice for the Knights during the 2006 pre-season. The headlines described Necevski as “the accidental hero”, but there’s nothing accidental about his quality.

Nick Theodorakopoulos, the then-Jets coach, signed Necevski, who had a reputation as reliable, commanding and agile. “While I was at the Jets I got some good feedback. I think they felt comfortable and liked the fact that I communicated well,” says the newly-married Necevski. He played three games before his deal ended and the Jets signed Ante Covic.

Since then, the 90kg, 188cm Necevski has returned to the NSWPL. He has a two year contract with the west Sydney club Blacktown City but has a release clause after this season should an A-League offer materialise. Fellow Demon Sean Rooney is in no doubt. “Ivan? He’s a brilliant keeper. Definitely good enough for the A-League.” And at 27, he’s just coming into his prime.