Football West News

Pictured: Bayswater's Jamie Coyne (16) gets to the ball ahead of Robert Petkov in the QBE Night Series Final at nib Stadium. Photo: Vince Caratozzolo/www.fotoenzo.com

WA football has learnt all about Gustavo Giron Marulanda, David Heagney and the Micevski brothers, Daniel and David, over the years.

But when Stirling Lions and Bayswater City clash in Saturday’s blockbuster PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues WA match a fresh face could steal the limelight at Macedonia Park.

Robert Petkov is no newcomer to WA football having been top scorer in the reserves a couple of seasons ago.

Graphic: Football West News

But 2016 could be the year he emerges from the shadows to stamp his mark on first team football after finding his feet in the competition last season.

A strong Night Series campaign, in which he netted four goals, and a double on the opening day of the new PS4 NPLWA season bodes well for the 21-year-old, who scored four goals for Stirling in 2015.

“The Night Series was a good step,” Petkov said. “As you get first team experience you get used to the environment and gain confidence. It’s a lot quicker and a lot more physical. Last season I felt like I wasn’t quite fit because I missed a lot of pre-season with a broken toe. I’ve worked a lot on fitness this season.”

Coach Rob Milevski, who was delighted with Stirling’s opening round 7-1 win over Subiaco, said Petkov was developing into a senior player of great potential.

“He grew up scoring a lot of goals and always wanted to be on the ball and involved in everything,” Milevski said. “He’s got good ability to take on players, good touch and good feet.

“He’s become physically a lot stronger and he’s worked hard in training. He’s also matured as a player because he’s on the park with experienced players.”

While Stirling were cruising to victory over Subiaco last week, defending champions Bayswater were embroiled in a thriller against a youthful Perth Glory. Twice Bayswater trailed by two goals before Marulanda fired four to snatch a 4-3 victory.

Stirling have heeded the warning.

“Most people thought they were down and out when they were 3-1 down against Glory but they came back,” Milevski said. “They are very hard to beat. We’ll have to be at our best over 90 minutes. We’ll have to start well and not hold back.”

In their most recent encounter in the QBE Night Series Final at nib Stadium, Heagney scored the only goal of the game to ensure Bayswater kicked off their season with yet another piece of silverware.

Petkov said that disappointment had provided additional motivation for a tightknit Stirling.

“We’ve got to learn from the Night Series,” he said. “Putting them under pressure is the key. They’ve been the best team in the last few seasons by far and they are used to dominating. We have to take the game to them and show that we can win.”

PS4 NPLWA ROUND 2 FIXTURES
Saturday, March 26

Perth SC v Subiaco (Dorrien Gardens, 3pm)
Perth Glory v Cockburn City (Ashfield Arena, 3pm)
ECU Joondalup v Armadale (ECU Football Stadium, 3pm)
Balcatta v Inglewood United (Grindleford Reserve, 3pm)
Stirling Lions v Bayswater City (Macedonia Park, 3pm)
Floreat Athena v Sorrento (E&D Litis Stadium, 7pm)