Talented teen Jordan Courtney-Perkins finds a home in defence at Brisbane Roar
Choosing football over cricket and rugby was an easy decision for Brisbane Roar whiz-kid Jordan Courtney-Perkins, and not just because of his prodigious talent in the round-ball code.
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Choosing football over cricket and rugby union was an easy decision for Brisbane Roar whiz-kid Jordan Courtney-Perkins, and not just because of his prodigious talent in the round-ball code.
“Cricket went for too long, and I didn’t get the ball enough in rugby,’’ Courtney-Perkins said in reflecting on his time in junior sport as a batsman for Valleys and a centre for GPS.
“I’d like to think if I was to have worked hard enough in those sports I could have played at a top level … but then football came along. I just love playing football.”
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Courtney-Perkins could also have easily following an Aussie rules path, with his father Tim having played in the SANFL for North Adelaide.
“I come from an AFL footy background, but Dad just loves sport, so he was going to support me no matter what I wanted to do,” the Year 11 Anglican Church Grammar School student said. “Now he’s a football fanatic.”
The 16-year-old central defender this month became the youngest player to make a senior competitive match for the Roar when started in the unfamiliar left wing-back role for Brisbane in their 2-0 FFA Cup win over Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval.
“It was a bit surreal,” he said. “Seeing these blokes play on TV and watching them play against the Roar from the stands, it was a pretty good feeling standing next to these players.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous before the game, but once I was out there surrounded by good experienced defenders like Tommy Aldred, and Jay O’Shea in the midfield, I definitely settled in. Having them around me made me feel very comfortable out there.
“I’ve been a centre-back my whole life, so developing my game in another position, I’m definitely going to benefit from that.”
Roar goalkeeper and the club’s reigning player of the year Jamie Young predicted a bright future for Courtney-Perkins.
“I genuinely feel he’s got a chance if he keeps working hard and he keeps level-headed,” Young said. “He’s got a good temperament for his age and he’s got all the attributes. He can kick a ball, he can understand the game, he’s composed with the ball … I’m happy for him. He’s a really good guy.”
Courtney-Perkins said he was confidence was growing due to the faith shown in him by the likes of Young and Roar coach Robbie Fowler.
“It’s good to have coaches that put their trust in me and believe in me,” the Brisbane City junior said. “Getting the opportunity was special, so I’m grateful for that. I’m really enjoying learning from them.”
Courtney-Perkins’ talent has also been recognised at national level, with the teenager heading to the UK with the Australian under-17 team – after the Roar’s FFA Cup round-of-16 clash against Central Coast on Wednesday at Dolpin Stadium – for a camp and matches against England, South Korea and Brazil.
The camp is part of Australia’s preparations for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup starting in Brazil on October 26.
“It’s a great honour and it’s any kid’s dream to play at a World Cup,” said Courtney-Perkins, who will be joined in the camp by Roar teammate Izaack Powell.
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