After spending pre-season recovering from a knee procedure, the Adelaide United defender returned against Sydney FC on Sunday for what also happened to be his 250th A-League appearance.
The milestone came as a surprise to Kitto, who only found out on the morning of the match. While the 2–1 defeat took some shine off the occasion, it could not take away the satisfaction of being back doing what he loves.
“It was certainly very enjoyable and rewarding, and got to give a lot of credit to all the medical and high performance team here to get me in a position to be back on the pitch,” Kitto said.
“It was a challenging off-season and pre-season, but I was really happy to be back out there doing what I love doing.”
Reaching 250 league appearances also offered a moment to reflect on the childhood ambition that started it all.
“You set out as a young boy with a dream, hoping you can play to the best of your ability at the highest level possible.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have a career here in the A-League, most of it being at Adelaide, and I just feel really grateful and appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given.”
With his return behind him, Kitto’s focus is already on Thursday’s AFC Champions League Two clash with Lion City Sailors at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The fixture continues a busy stretch across domestic and Asian competition. For Kitto, that is something to enjoy.
“From my perspective, at my age and with the experience, I’d rather play than be training, and you can prepare tactically in different ways,” he said.
“Obviously, the priority through the week’s more recovery, and you’ve got to be smart about how you go about it.
“But for me, it’s really exciting.”
The demands of the schedule will also create chances for others to contribute, with Kitto welcoming the opportunities ahead for United’s younger players.
“For me, if people want to see it as a problem, it’s a really good problem, and it’s something we’re really excited about.”
While disappointed to leave Sydney without a result, Kitto believes the Reds can take lessons from a difficult spell in the second half.
“We’ve obviously reflected on that, on how we can better manage games in those situations, and we’ll be better prepared for it come the game Thursday and then Sunday again.”
He also confirmed everyone was back training following illness within the camp, while making clear the squad was taking responsibility for its performance.
“Those things can happen, and it’s just about how you deal with it,” he said.
“It’s not an excuse.”
After United’s winning start to the group stage, Kitto is eager to help maintain that momentum against Lion City Sailors.
“It’s a new challenge, and you’re playing against champions of different places in Asia, and they’re really quality opposition,” he said.
“It’s a different style of football, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.
“You don’t know when these opportunities come again, so you’ve just got to make the most of it.
“The boys have done so well in the first two games, so it’s about us keeping that momentum going and giving us the best chance of getting out of the group.”
For a player who has spent much of his career representing Adelaide, sharing those occasions with the supporters makes them even more special.
“We have the best supporters in the league. I always say that here in Adelaide,” Kitto said.
“There’s a lot at stake for the Club, and we’re really excited by the challenge.
“Thursday evening, let’s try and fill out the place and get the home crowd behind us, because it makes such a big difference.”
