BRANDON Lundy left Hunter Sports High in year 10 to work in his father’s tiling business.
In doing so, the winger gave up his place in the school’s elite football program.
Although without access to coaching resources and a competitive environment, Lundy’s desire burned strong.
After work each day he would head to a local oval to train before earning a spot in the Jets youth team.
Impressed by Lundy’s speed and athleticism, then coach Gary van Egmond invited the 16-year-old to train with the A-League squad.
It took the best part of two seasons, but the 18-year-old finally made his A-League debut last weekend, playing nine minutes after coming off the bench in the 1-0 loss to Sydney FC.
‘‘I was excited and a little nervous,’’ Lundy said.
‘‘The nine minutes seemed to be over in a flash, but I felt like I ran a full game because I was that pumped.’’
Lundy, who as a young teenager travelled to Sydney during the week to train with the Football NSW junior program, is the latest in a string of youngsters to be given a chance as the Jets start rebuilding.
See your ad here
Fellow attacker Braedyn Crowley made his debut in the final moments of the 1-1 draw with Wanderers last month, Radovan Pavicevic has six appearances off the bench and defender Nick Cowburn has four, including two starts.
Lundy, who was signed as an apprentice, has a year remaining and Pavicevic recently inked a two-year deal.
GETTING PHYSICAL: Brandon Lundy battling for the ball with Scott Neville. Picture: Jonathan Carroll
GETTING PHYSICAL: Brandon Lundy battling for the ball with Scott Neville. Picture: Jonathan Carroll
The Jets have used 31 players this campaign. With seven games to play, including the trip to Melbourne City on Saturday, the young guns will get more opportunities.
‘‘We want to see them have an impact when they play,’’ Jets coach Phil Stubbins said. ‘‘We know the experience is not with them, and we are trying to provide them with that.
‘‘They have an opportunity between now and the end of the season to showcase that they are a) able to step up, and b) providing those effective outcomes we are in need of.’’
Pavicevic, the youth team player of the year last season, opened his goal-scoring account in the 2-1 loss to Brisbane and has been a threat late in games.
‘‘Radovan has scored goals and looked dangerous,’’ Stubbins said. ‘‘Credit to him, he continually works hard on the track to advance his efforts.
‘‘He is a kid who first and foremost has determination in his game. He is hungry to do well. He needs time to improve and we have given him that.’’
Lundy was close to earning a call-up to the bench last season. This campaign has been hindered by a minor knee issue, but he is now injury free.
‘‘There are setbacks involved for kids,’’ Stubbins said.
‘‘Brandon hadn’t played until we put him on the other night.
‘‘For any kids trying to make it in the game, without handling setbacks they are not going to make it.
‘‘Physically he is a very good specimen. He has speed and can get past and beyond players. It is one thing to do that, but there also needs to be an end product.’’
Lundy, though buoyed by his debut, understands that his spot is far from secure.
‘‘Sometimes it is frustrating, but you just have to bide your time,’’ he said. ‘‘I know I’m young and have time on my hands. The only goal I have is to turn up to training every day and improve.’’