Former Sydney FC fan boy Joel King in chase for record Premiers Plate
Former fan turned Sydney FC regular Joel King and his teammates are just a win away from a record fourth Premiers Plate on Tuesday night if they avoid defeat against Newcastle Jets.
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When Joel King was just seven one of his favourite things to do was pull on his Sydney FC jersey and watch the club playing in the A-League.
Now, more than a decade later, he is one the edge of history with the club who can secure a record breaking fourth Premiers Plate on Tuesday night should they avoid defeat against Newcastle Jets at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
“I have photos of me with Sydney FC tops on when I was seven or eight,” said longtime Sydney FC fan King.
“I remember watching them every week - Brendan Santalab and Jacob Timpano.
“The club was my first choice. I did trial at the Wanderers but I always wanted to play for Sydney FC.”
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After making his debut for the club last season, King is now a regular in the Sydney FC starting line-up - due to an injury to regular left back back Michael Zello - and making the most of the opportunity.
“It’s been good. I didn’t expect to have the minutes this year but I’ve taken the opportunity I was give,” said the 19-year-old.
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“I got a game under my belt last season so I was quite comfortable going into this season.”
Born and bred at Shell Cove near Wollongong but now living at Rhodes in Sydney’s inner west, it was King’s mother and sister who steered him toward the soccer pitch.
His mother because she was worried he would get hurt playing rugby league and older sister Taren, who is in the W-League with Canberra United, because she was so good at the game.
“I used to want to be as good as her. She was better than me for me a lot of them time - probably says she still is,” said the young fullback.
“We now live together here in Sydney.”
The Sky Blues need just one point - hopefully from Tuesday’s game against the Jets - to secure the Premiership following their 3-1 win over closest rivals Wellington Phoenix on Friday night.
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Originally published as Former Sydney FC fan boy Joel King in chase for record Premiers Plate