Mate Dugandzic is fitting in well in his new surroundings at Melbourne Heart FC after making the switch across the Yarra to the red half of town.
By David Manuca
Mate Dugandzic is fitting in well in his new surroundings at Melbourne Heart FC after making the switch across the Yarra to the red half of town.
Dugandzic, 21, is the first player to make the direct switch between the two sides, and has settled well at his new club, saying he can-t wait for the season to kick-off.
“I-ve been fitting into the team really well so far. I-m really enjoying it here at Heart and all the boys have taken me in with open arms.” said Dugandzic.
“We-re just getting back into training now which is really good, so I-m really looking forward to the season kicking-off in October.”
“But for now I just want to have a good pre-season and then play as much as I can next season.”
He has also been impressed by the togetherness of the squad, claiming that the club has a very family feel about it.
“The team is very tight. We do a lot of team functions during the week and have lunch together every day after training and the atmosphere is really good in the change rooms.” said Dugandzic.
“The club definitely has a very family feel to it.”
Dugandzic made the move earlier this year in search of more game time and after being impressed by Melbourne Heart Head Coach John van-t Schip-s philosophy on football.
His signing was the second of van-t Schip-s off-season captures after Curtis Good, with Brazilian play-maker Fred and exciting forward David Williams also signing later on.
With Dugandzic being used in a more central role at his previous club, he believes the ability to play on the wings at Heart is more suited to his style of play.
John van-t Schip certainly has a plethora of attacking options to choose from for next season with the likes of Rutger Worm, Alex Terra, Fred, David Williams and Dugandzic all on the Heart-s books for 2011/12.
