Macklin Freke says he could hardly contain his excitement after making his A-League debut in last Wednesday night’s win away against the Jets.
Freke, who has been involved in the club’s youth ranks for a number of years, made his maiden appearance between the posts in the top tier last Wednesday night, making a number of crucial saves as the Roar secured three points in his first outing.
“It was a long time coming – a lot of hard work, sleepless nights and a lot of grinding but it all pays off once you get there,” Freke said.
TICKETS: Roar v Adelaide – January 30
HIGHLIGHTS: Roar vs Jets
“I was buzzing, ecstatic and I’m proud of the journey.
“It would have been good to keep a clean sheet, but three points is all that matters from a team perspective.”
After first trialling for the Young Roar squad in 2014 as a teenager, the 23-year-old has been heavily involved n the youth set-up since, featuring for a number of season’s as the Young Roar’s #1 goalkeeper, including in the 2017/18 Foxtel Y-League Championship win.
Now promoted in to the Club’s A-League squad, and called upon early in the season following a training injury to Jamie Young, Freke is relishing a long-awaited opportunity – made easier by a team full of leaders ahead of him.
“Tom [Aldred] & Macca [Macaulay Gillesphey] were massive the other night, absolutely eating up anything that came into the box in the air. Even further up the field with the likes of Jay [O’Shea] and Scott [McDonald], there’s always an outlet – they’re great leaders and it made it a lot easier having them in front of me.”
After two straight games on the road and a five-week layoff between home fixtures, the chance to play on home turf in front of his friends and family is one Freke simply can’t wait for.
The Roar come up against Adelaide United for the first time in 2020/21 – a fixture that regularly provides an exciting mix of drama and entertainment. Click HERE to secure your seats.
“I can’t wait to get out in front of the fans, my friends and family. Adelaide Unted is always a bit of spicy game as well, there’s a good bit of rivalry there so we’re expecting a good, intense game,” Freke added.
“In front of the home fans, at Dolphin, with a good atmosphere, I really can’t wait.”
