Words & Image: Matt Dorman (Olympic FC)
Olympic FC has signed former Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Matt Acton as PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland's first registered marquee player.
The Australian youth international joins Olympic following the conclusion of his Hyundai A-League injury replacement contract.
The marquee player category is a new addition for 2015, defined as an Australian player that was most recently registered as a professional at a Hyundai A-League or overseas club and incurring a maximum of 10 points player roster.
Acton's signing is a major boost to the title hopes of the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2013 Champions on the eve of the new season.
“There was interest from a few clubs in Melbourne but Olympic made contact with me and I was more than happy to come here,” Acton said.
“I was finding it pretty difficult to find a Hyundai A-League club because the window had closed but Olympic was happy to accommodate me which was pleasing.”
Acton spent almost seven years at Brisbane Roar across two spells and believes regular football in Australia's national second tier will prepare him for a return to the top.
“The plan is to do well here for Olympic and try to get noticed by Hyundai A-League clubs,” he said.
“Hopefully I can be a standout not only in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland but also in the Westfield FFA Cup.”
Following two senior appearances for Roar last season the Townsville product moved abroad to join Yangon United, helping ‘The Lions’ finish second in the Myanmar National League.
Former teammates Matt Byrne and Matt Mundy, who also formed part of Roar’s championship-winning squads, will provide Acton's protection in Olympic’s defence.
“I know those boys quite well so it’s just about getting to know the other guys and the style of play,” the 22-year-old said.
“It’s important to have a good understanding with your back four so to have them there will be really helpful.”
While his home debut will have to wait until round three, Acton is already excited about making the his first appearance at Goodwin Park.
“I played here with Young Roar a few times in pre-season friendlies and the crowds were always big,” he said.
“I can’t wait to do that in an Olympic jersey.”
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