By Tara Murray
Bundoora’s Anthony Lesiotis is aiming to make his mark when he represents Australia for the first time at SBS Cup in Japan later this month.
Having played soccer since he was five and been part of the Victorian pathways program, selection for the Australian under-18 team is the next step for the talented defensive midfielder who is plying his trade with Melbourne City
“I think it was over a bunch of performances with the A-League team and the NPL [National Premier League 1] team,” he said about why he was selected for the youth tournament featuring teams from Japan and Paraguay.
“I must have been what they were looking for.
“I’ve never been selected in an Australian team before, so it was a big shock.
“I got an email saying I was in the extended squad of 30 and then had to wait for another email to find out.”
Lesiotis said his selection was still sinking for his excited family.
He said the tournament was a big affair, but he was confident with how Australia would go.
He was one of four Melbourne City players selected in the squad.
Soccer has long been his sport of choice having started playing when he was five.
In his short career, Lesiotis has also played with Northcote City and then Heidleberg United and was part of the Victorian National Training Centre.
He was then picked up by Melbourne City. where he has developed his game in the past 12 months.
“I was with the youth league side and now the A-League side the past two months,” he said.
“It’s pretty good playing and training against the best players in the country.
“It’s good that I’m performing and playing week and getting some good feedback.”
He was part of Melbourne City’s line-up that played friendly matches against Indian Super League team Kerala Blasters and La Liga side Girona on a recent pre-season tour tour in India.
Lesiotis said he was hoping that his form in the pre-season would lead to an A-League debut this season.
Last season, he was selected on the bench for one of City’s games against Perth Glory.
He said he was one of the youngest players in the squad, but it didn’t worry him and he relished the opportunity to develop his game.
Having been selected to represent his country for the first time, Lesiotis said he was hopeful of being selected in future teams and hopefully be selected for the Socceroos in years to come.
