Matt Hilton entering unfamiliar territory for Gold Coast Select Team’s battle with RWB Adria

THERE are few things Matt Hilton hasn’t experienced in Gold Coast football but the veteran striker admits he will enter unfamiliar territory in Tuesday night’s battle with RWB Adria.

THERE are few things Matt Hilton hasn’t experienced in Gold Coast football but the veteran striker admits he will enter unfamiliar territory in Tuesday night’s battle with RWB Adria.

Fresh off his coronation as joint Premier League Player of the Year with Broadbeach’s Shaun Robinson, Hilton will captain the Gold Coast Select Team against Chicago-based Adria at the Croatian Sports Centre at 7pm.

The 32-year-old is one of four Burleigh players in the squad, while coach Colin Phelan will take the reins after steering the Bulldogs to this season’s Premier League finals.

COAST COACH WEIGHS FUTURE

Hilton, a former Joeys star who also collected this year’s Golden Boot with 27 goals, said the chance to line up alongside some of his long-time rivals would be an experience to remember.

Burleigh’s Matt Hilton (captain) and Colin Phelan (coach) will lead the Gold Coast Select Team against RWB Adria. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It will definitely be a bit of a change but I’m looking forward to it. Everyone whose been picked are all quality, it will just be interesting to see what their style of play will be and see how we gel,” he said.

“I always love playing, as every player does. It’s good just to have one last kick for the season with a bunch of new guys I haven’t played with before and just enjoy it.”

GRAND FINAL AGONY TURNS TO ECSTASY

The Coast outfit includes five players from the double-winning Gold Coast Knights squad, four from grand finalists Broadbeach and three from the Surfers Paradise side that knocked Burleigh out of the title race.

Hilton in action for Burleigh this year.

Phelan said he was in a privileged position to guide the team.

“It is an honour and it’s a good feeling knowing they trust the Select side with you so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

CHAMPIONS OF THE COAST GRAND FINAL GALLERY

“You’re fierce rivals with these lads every week and then it’s nice to get us under the same roof. You’re only going to learn more about other players, what makes them tick, how good they really are.”

The game against Adria will serve as a precursor to the 44th Croatian Soccer Association of Australia tournament at the Knights’ Carrara headquarters from September 27-30.

GOLD COAST SELECT TEAM

Josh Langdon (Knights)

Oskar Dillon (Knights)

Daniel Dragicevic (Knights)

Max Brown (Knights)

Andrew Barisic (Knights)

Griffin Bambach (Burleigh)

Kazuma Kobayashi (Burleigh)

Marcus Allison (Burleigh)

Matt Hilton (Burleigh)

Connor Simpson (Broadbeach)

Adam Powell (Broadbeach)

Luke Marsh (Broadbeach)

Shaun Robinson (Broadbeach)

Bruno Rodriguez (Surfers Paradise)

Yuji Kin (Surfers Paradise)

Jack Boxell (Surfers Paradise)

Coach: Colin Phelan (Burleigh)