Seasoned talent ready to take the field for Manly

PLENTY has changed since Dylan Macallister first called Cromer Park home.

Dylan Macallister has signed for Manly United.

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PLENTY has changed since Dylan Macallister first called Cromer Park home.

For starters, the club was known as the Manly Warringah Dolphins in the late 1990s, rather than Manly United.

The Lucas Neill Grandstand was a pipe dream and professional football in Australia existed via the National Soccer League (NSL).

Macallister, who makes his first grade debut for the club in their season opener on Saturday versus Sutherland, is buzzing to be ‘home’.

“Paul Dee (former Manly United) coach rang me a few times and eventually I decided to sign for them,’’ Macallister said.

“Manly are a team on the rise. I was very impressed when I played against them last season.

“Personally, I think I offer something different in the final third – I think we will have a big year.”

Dylan Macallister (left) in his playing days with the Mariners.

Macallister has enjoyed quite the journey as a professional footballer.

After cutting his teeth in the junior ranks with the Dolphins, the 34-year-old, who represented Australia at under-17 and under-23 level, moved on to Sydney Olympic, before joining Northern Spirit.

With the NSL about to fold, Macallister secured a move to Europe, enjoying a successful stint in Norway with a handful of clubs from 2004-2007.

Come 2008, with the A-League well established, the journeyman then represented Central Coast, Wellington, Gold Coast and Melbourne Heart.

Hong Kong was next, sandwiched between two stints at Rockdale.

Away from football, Macallister has life balance.

He is working locally as a financial adviser associate but has no plans to hang up his boots any time soon.