Adelaide United Youth Team forward, Doni Pollock, says winning both the National Premier League State League title and the Golden Boot award was one of his greatest footballing achievements that he’s experienced.
Pollock, who needed four goals to lead the goal-scoring charts heading into the last match of the season, scored an astonishing seven goals against Adelaide Victory to cement the Golden Boot and also claim the league title.
But the way in which Pollock become the top goal-scorer in the NPL State League was truly remarkable, as the player he needed to surpass managed to score three goals in his final game.
“With one game to go, my counterpart was a goal in front and he ended up scoring a hat-trick in his last game,” Pollock explained.
“I thought once I scored seven in the last game I would have gone on to win comfortably, but he ended up scoring three so I found out after (that I had won it) and I was stoked to win such as prestigious award.
“I could not believe I scored seven in the last game though. It was a bit crazy, really, and pretty hard to believe.”
Pollock, who was a midfielder for most of his younger playing career, was given the opportunity to play up front under the guidance of Young Reds coaches, Michael Valkanis and Angelo Costanzo.
This clearly paid dividends for the team, as Pollock bagged a total of 36 goals – more than anyone in either the NPL State League, or the NPL Premier League.
“Well, playing up front was different for me this year because I had never played up there before,” Pollock said.
“The service was very good all season and that’s how I was able to score all my goals because of the supply from all the players around me.
“I don’t reckon I would have been able to be the top goal scorer if it wasn’t for all the players setting me up.”
Pollock went on to express his gratitude towards Valkanis, Costanzo, and his teammates for giving him the best possible chance to succeed and finally win an inaugural State League title.
“I have won the cup but I have never won a championship, so to finally win won has to be one of my greatest achievements – there’s no better feeling,” Pollock said. “To win top goal scorer as well was amazing.
“I just want to thank both Michael and Ange for pushing me all throughout the season, and helping me score a lot of goals.
“I also want to thank my teammates for assisting me in my goals. Without them I don’t think I would have been able to achieve the golden boot award.”
