Goulburn Valley Suns clearly didn’t have a physical archetype when mapping out a list of foreign recruits for 2023.
Bringing in the big guns, towering centre-half Joe Adoo-Peters and equally imposing striker Russell Currie aren’t far off touching 200cm in height.
Then, in contrast, has arrived Japanese winger Taku Hishida, a pen’s length from five foot. Add in crafty England midfielder Jake Brocklebank, and you’re left with a hodge-podge mix of players who may not all fit in the same squad photo frame together.
Yet, by all accounts, it seems to work.
A bolt of excitement is coursing through the Goulburn Valley Suns’ camp in the lead-up to the 2023 NPL3 season, largely due to the arrival of the four overseas talents.
A promising pre-season campaign has spectators wondering what has been cooking behind the scenes — and as the season opener looms, onlookers wait with bated breath to see if the broth boiling is indeed a winning formula.
Russell Currie
Rangy, rapid and equipped with a dogged work ethic, the big centre-forward has an arsenal likely to suit a Suns side starved of an out and out goal-scorer in recent years.
Arriving from Scottish outfit Gretna 2008 in the Lowland Leagues, McEwen Reserve’s carpet-like surface is a far cry from what the 21-year-old has been accustomed to in years past.
But pristine playing surfaces hardly means Currie won’t do the dirty work — far from it.
“I don’t think of myself as a pretty footballer, but I think of myself as an effective one,” he said.
“I like to work hard, and every club I have been at I’ve been known to do that, so I’m looking forward to bringing that across here.
“I’ve enjoyed (pre-season), gelled well with the boys and am looking forward to the season ahead.
“It’s a bit of a longer pre-season than I’m used to, but it’s given us a chance to get a bit more fit and recover from the injury that I picked up during last season.”
Currie remains a surprise package for Suns fans due to an injury which left him sidelined for a chunk of the friendlies, but those in the inner circle know exactly what he’s capable of.
A hat-trick against Yarraville Glory in last weekend’s friendly exhibited the height of his powers, but his individual philosophy isn’t directed on goal targets, rather towards getting the team firing on all cylinders.
“I’m just looking to keep on learning — goals aren’t a big thing for me,” he said.
“I know as a striker it’s one of the things you’re based off, but I try and work as hard as I can and (do) what’s best for the team. Hopefully the goals come from there.”
Joe Adoo-Peters
It’s scary enough for strikers staring down a centre-half who’s well north of six foot tall. It’s downright terrifying, however, when that defender has speed to boot, as well as an adept passing range and cool head in possession. All of the above are in Adoo-Peters’ wheelhouse.
The 23-year-old has traversed the semi-professional landscape in and around his home county of Surrey in England for seven years, and slots into the squad with a well-rounded football resume having spent time playing at college level in Philadelphia.
“Last year we ended up being the fourth best team in the nation, so it was good going over there,” he said.
“But I’ve been playing semi-pro since 16, just at clubs near to home and a bit further afield.”
Adoo-Peters looks to be a much-needed stopgap for a Suns side which shipped 68 goals in last year’s campaign to forget, bringing defensive fortitude during a sparkling pre-season run.
Composure in the backline is worth its weight in gold in any league and, by all accounts, it seems the Englishman has Olympic-like stocks in that department.
Speaking highly of his new teammates, Adoo-Peters has his sights firmly fixed on title contention in Suns colours this season.
“From what we’ve seen ... I think we could go flying and definitely win it and, if not, playoffs are a bare minimum,” he said.
“With the boys we’ve got, there’s enough talent to go all the way.”
Jake Brocklebank
If Currie and Adoo-Peters are the spine of a refreshed Suns outfit, Brocklebank is the glue. A keen midfielder who doesn’t shy away from a penetrative pass, the 23-year-old has had more time to acclimatise to Australian heat than his UK compatriots and has fit like a glove into the side’s engine room.
“I was quite lucky actually, I was travelling beforehand so I had about four months in the sun anyway,” he said.
“Weather-wise, it’s not been too bad, I’m kind of used to it.
“Football-wise, it’s obviously different playing in 30°C heat than it is playing in the wind and the rain at home.”
Brocklebank has had his fair share of mixing it in tough conditions, but the extra challenge of battling the elements has only hardened his hunger for success.
The busy number eight reaped rewards in years gone by with Redbridge FC in the fifth step of English non-league football, aiding the side to a third-place finish as well as silverware in 2022.
Like his fellow recruits, Brocklebank has placed full faith in the men around him and is speaking confidently about what 2023 may hold for the Orangemen.
“I don’t think we’ve played anyone in pre-season that has looked anywhere near us at the minute,” he said.
“Maybe it will be different when the season comes around, but most of the teams, we’ve played them out of the water.
“I think with the way that we’re set up, if we play to our strengths with Russ up top and wingers that can get in behind, I think it works for us and we’ll go on and do well this year.”
Taku Hishida
Diminutive and dangerous. Those are two accurate superlatives which describe the Suns’ new pocket rocket, who has torn full-backs to ribbons since joining Craig Carley’s charges just months ago.
A winger with bags of pace and a dribbling ability which seems to have the ball strung to his boot at all times, Hishida’s movement in behind and decision-making will be instrumental on the flanks.
And to no surprise, the 29-year-old has a well-decorated career path to boot.
Arriving from Mongolian National Premier League side SP Falcons, Hishida has also made a living playing the game in Sri Lanka, Latvia, Croatia and Germany as well as his home nation of Japan.
Now, the next scene he’ll look to dominate is Victoria’s NPL3, and he’s got plenty of help to do so.