The former AIS student has played every game this season scoring five goals in the league and cup and has been one of the key reasons why the Cannons are early season title favourites.

Ljubo Milicevic watched him play last week against Hume and the former Socceroo and UEFA Champions League player came away impressed.

“He was pinging long diagonal passes with both his left and right peg and playing little one-twos,” the South Melbourne star told au.fourfourtwo.com. "He can score too. 

"I was coached by his dad at the AIS so I know he comes from good blood lines. He does deserve his opportunity in the A-League.”

Dane, 21, is the son of Mike Milovanovic, who NSL fans may remember from the 1970s and 80s.

The classy defender played around 150 times for three NSL clubs including Canberra City where he was coached by Johnny Warren. Later he coached at the AIS, ACT Academy of Sport and has been an assistant coach in the national youth set-up.

“He’s still involved in coaching and he’s got a lot of experience and knowledge which helps a lot. You never want your dad as you coach but I learned a lot,” said Milovanovic jnr.

The youngster is playing regularly against olderplayers and it has helped develop his game – even if he is already a physical presence for the Cannons with his 190cm frame.

“I don’t mind throwing my weight around and the VPL is very physical but at times it’s very technical. But I do enjoy the physicality of it,” Milovanovic said. 

“Playing in the national youth league for two seasons you kinda don’t test yourself against men and the games aren’t as competitive.”

The Cannons star was a scholarship holder at the AIS in 2008, training with the likes of Luke DeVere and James Holland.

He then got a chance to trial with FCK Lyngby in the Danish second division but the contract fell through after a month and the then-18-year-old returned home.

Two hip operations then stemmed his progress for almost a year but fit again, he was picked up in 2009/10 by Adelaide United and was part of Aurelio Vidmar’s 25-man ACL squad after a season in the NYL.

This was followed last year with a season at Brisbane youth team and training with  Ange Postecoglou. It left a lasting impression on him.

“The training was all football. You’d go to training and you’d know you’re doing ball work. John Syme was my coach and everyone at the club was implementing Ange’s football philosophy,” Milovanovic said.

“What stemmed from the first team came right through down to the youth team. It was so enjoyable to be a part of it all. Just phenomenal.”

And his coach at the Cannons Arthur Papas has liked what he’s seen after signing the youngster from Brisbane Roar youth team.

“Dane possesses a good technical game including an excellent passing range,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“He can play both in the centre of defence and in the midfield, is physically very strong and has shown a knack for scoring goals this season. He’s a good prospect and still very young.”

After two stints on the fringes of the A-League will it be third time lucky for Dane Milovanovic in A-League 7?