The Oakleigh Cannons are taking on the A-League's newest club, Melbourne Heart, in a friendly on Friday night at Jack Edwards Reserve.
Oakleigh are having a brilliant season to date in the Victorian Premier League, currently sitting second on the table behind Richmond.
Oakleigh Cannons coach, John Anastasiadis said the whole club is excited to be taking part.
“It’s a good thing for boys, hopefully they can put on a good show, and you never know some players might get a look in down the track (to play for Melbourne Heart),” Anastasiadis said.
Anastasiadis said he would give some of his younger players an opportunity to play and learn from their more experienced counterparts.
“We’ll give some of the younger boys a go...it’s good chance for them to rub shoulders with guys who have played overseas and at national level, and who have won championships.”
Heart will bring its strongest available squad to the south east of Melbourne, a traditional nursery for great Australian talent.
Among the Heart squad will be former Oakleigh Cannons star midfielder Nick Kalmar, who becomes Melbourne Heart FC’s 19th foundation player after signing a one-year deal.
A member of Altona Magic’s triumphant back-to- back VPL championship sides in 2008 and 2009, 22 year-old Kalmar has built on his recent achievements by impressing Heart Head Coach John van ’t Schip during the 2010 season with his guile and technical quality in the midfield.
Anastasidis is thrilled for Kalmar.
“He’s a quality player; I think he is technically the best player in the VPL.”
John van ‘t Schip believes Kalmar will provide the Heart squad with important added depth to the club’s creative midfield stocks during the upcoming season.
“The Melbourne Heart FC coaching staff has spent a great deal of time watching the VPL so far this season. Of the many impressive young players, it was Nick who impressed me the most,” he said.
“In a professional environment, I really think he can grow in to a quality player in Australia and play a very important role for us this season.
“Nick has been training with the Club for some time, which has also given him a great chance to prove to us that he deserves a chance and has the capacity to make the leap to the Hyundai A-League.
“Importantly, we would also like to thank the Oakleigh Cannons for their role in ensuring Nick has been able to pursue his dream and play at the elite level.”
Kalmar will join Melbourne Heart FC once his immediate duties with Oakleigh Cannons are complete.
This weekend is a catch up round for the Victorian Premier League.
Last updated: Tuesday June 29, 2010 4:10PM
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