Leo Mazis hoping a full season in NPL Victoria leads to overseas or A-League chance

A first full season in three years has Dandenong Thunder young gun Leo Mazis hoping for an overseas or A-League opportunity.

With a full season under his belt for the first time in three years, Leo Mazis is ready to spread his wings again.

Mazis hopes a strong season with NPL Victoria club Dandenong Thunder can open up a new opportunity in professional football.

Whether it’s in the A-League, Asia or a return to Europe, the 22-year-old winger is keeping an open mind.

He impressed in the Thunder’s friendly game against Melbourne City this month, scoring the only goal in a 3-1 loss.

Mazis has three goals and a number of assists in 18 appearances this season and is feeling confident in his body and ability once more.

Leo Mazis (right) is hoping for another overseas or A-League opportunity.

“It’s been good to get back to playing, I needed it,” he said.

“That first jump from youth to men’s is completely different, I’ve enjoying being back in the changeroom with all the banter – you miss it.

“(Being settled in one place) has helped a lot, being Australian and playing in Australia, Melbourne is a very easy place to adapt to and live.

“Off the pitch stuff has definitely helped the on the pitch stuff, it’s helped a lot.”

The Celtic youth product had aborted stops in Italy with Triestina and Palencia in Spain as the world struggled to deal with the COVID pandemic.

Mazis trained with A-League clubs, Central Coast Mariners, Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United, before joining Dandenong.

In 2018 he was selected in a national under-18 squad to compete in the SBS Cup in Japan, alongside the likes of Joel King, underlining his potential.

The Canberra native is hoping another opportunity will give him the chance to live his dream.

“Definitely, for me, I want to play at the highest level I can,” he said.

Leo Mazis in action for Dandenong Thunder.

“Now that I’m back playing it should be more appealing for people to look into me.

“I’m open to all options, whether that’s the next step in Australia or overseas, my ambition is to get back playing professionally and kick on really.

“I think coming off the back of a full season I would be able to go into something like that and be at the level straight away.

“I’ve been hearing little bits and bobs here and there but my main focus has been to finish the season and I’ll see what happens after that.

“It’s important to always finish what you’ve started and then I’ll take a week and explore my options.

“I won’t be putting anything off, whether it’s Asia or anywhere, it’s important to take a step back into the professional game and get minutes – it’s important to be open minded.”

Mazis has typically played in the centre of midfield in a 5-4-1 or on a wing in a 4-3-3 formation at Dandenong.

He’s formed a strong partnership with striker Kasper Hallam and attacking midfielders such as Dutchman Grad Daman and Scott Lochhead.

With one game remaining in the NPL home-and-away season, the Thunder will fall just short of a top-six finish and finals.

However, Mazis sees plenty of potential at George Andrews Reserve.

“It’s been good, it’s always good to play with some experienced boys who have played at a good level,” he said.

“There’s a mixture of young players and experienced boys, it’s good to be in a men’s changeroom to make the transition to youth football.

WRAP: DANDY CITY BACK UP, MAGIC SEAL FINALS SPOT

LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL SPORT NEWS HERE

NPL3: LAST-GASP GOALS WINS GEORGE CROSS PREMIERSHIP

“Once you play a certain number of games together you start to work out each other’s movements.

“Kasper is so energetic and Scotty is very good technically, so it’s a good balance and the boys coming off the bench, it’s a good group of players.”

Mazis will take a week to explore his options and rest after a tough season that saw him overcome an early shoulder injury.

“Football is a funny game, you might be on a plane tomorrow or you might not be at all,” he said.