New signing Braedyn Crowley described his move to Melbourne City FC as “a dream come true” and is ready to take his A-League opportunity with both hands.
The talented 19-year-old was unveiled as a City player on Tuesday during the Club’s pre-season tour in Townsville, with the former Newcastle Jets striker arriving from NPL Victoria outfit Northcote City as a scholarship player for the 2016/17 season.
After training with his new teammates for the first time, Crowley is relishing the opportunity to continue his A-League career in Melbourne and develop under the tutelage of Tim Cahill and Bruno Fornaroli.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s a dream come true to sign with a Club like this,” he said. “To train with players like Tim Cahill and Bruno Fornaroli, it’s definitely up there.
“I’m going to learn so much off them and hopefully I can improve my game.”
Crowley made five senior appearances for Newcastle after winning the golden boot for the club’s National Youth League side, until some advice from his family encouraged him to pursue his professional career in Melbourne.
It was a decision which ultimately paid dividends, with Crowley putting himself on the radar with 13 goals in 19 games during a stellar 2016 NPL Victoria season for Northcote City.
Such is his confidence, Crowley never had a doubt in his mind about returning to the top level of Australian football.
“My dad told me ‘we might have to step back a bit to step forward,’” he said. “I went to Melbourne and played in the NPL. A few people told me stepping out of the A-League system was dangerous.”
“I was confident if I went down there and did my thing then I would secure a move like this. I’m grateful for what Newcastle have done for me and the games that I’ve played. I feel I am more mature this year and ready to take my opportunity.
“If I get game time then I’m going to go out there and do the team proud and hopefully score some goals.”
John van’t Schip’s side will face Crowley’s former NPL Queensland club Northern Fury in the opening match of the pre-season tour on Wednesday afternoon.
Born and raised in Townsville, Crowley is hopeful of making his first City appearance in front of his family and friends.
“It would be an honour to pull on a City shirt and be back in my home town and play with my family watching. It’s definitely amazing.”
“The (Northern Fury) boys get a good chance to show their skills, show what they can do and show there is talent up here in Far North Queensland.
“I think there’s a lot of talented young guys up here who could get a shot in the A-League.”
