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Of all the signings Melbourne Knights head coach Andrew Marth has signed so far, arguably none are more high profile than that of former Adelaide United and Gold Coast United man Jake Barker Daish.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder sat down with Knights Media to discuss joining the Club, his hopes & ambitions, and what lies ahead in 2017:
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Welcome to Somers St, Jake! You were a stand out player in a side that unfortunately got relegated last season – which usually means a few clubs circling post season – so why did you choose Melbourne Knights?
I felt Melbourne Knights was the right choice from speaking to the coach and some of the current players. I think in football it’s always good to go where you’re wanted and Melbourne Knights felt right
How did the move come about? When did Stabba and Frank first make contact and what discussions have you had with them about what both you and the Club want from 2017?
Stabba called me just after the season and asked would I be interested and at the time I just wanted to take a few weeks to get away from football and have a break from a long season and probably 3-4 weeks later we spoke on the phone a few more times and caught up with Stabba and Frank and went from there.
You’ve played at national league level with Gold Coast United and Adelaide United – how was that experience for you … and having now spent two seasons in the NPL, how does the standard between A-League and NPL Victoria compare?
It was obviously a great experience for me playing in the best league in the country from a young age and it helped me to learn a lot about football on and off the pitch. I think there is bit of a gap in standard from the two leagues however there are definitely NPL players that could step up and play if the opportunity came forward.
You’re still very young at 23 years of age: what are your goals and aspirations for 2017 in the short term, and in the long term?
For me, just to play every week and enjoy football is my priority. Usually when I do that good things happen, but in terms of long term I just try to focus on what’s now and in the end what will be, will be.
You’re a Melbourne boy having played in the West before for Altona Magic, and went through our VIS program: so what do you know about Melbourne Knights prior to pulling on the famous red, white and blue kit for the first time?
I knew about the history of the club growing up in Melbourne and having played against them from a young age, the Club has a long and great history which had produced some of our country’s
best footballers.
There’s a select number of players that have played for both South Melbourne and the Knights and you’re soon to be a new member of that list. What are your thoughts on coming up against your former club in what will be a massive fixture for supporters on both sides?
I think it’s a privilege to play for two of the biggest clubs in Melbourne who both have been successful and rich in history. I always look forward to the big games so I’ll be excited for that one.
Are there any familiar faces in the current Knights squad that you’ve played with before and do you see that helping or hindering your transition into a new club?
The only player I’ve really had contact with is Jason Hicks: we played each other in the A-league and he was training at South Melbourne when I was there. He is a top guy and his words were helpful and important in helping me to make the right decision.
You scored 8 goals last season while playing for a relegated side (which from afar, seemed like they came while playing in midfield?). With that in mind, where on the pitch do you think you’re best suited to play?
I feel as a number 8/10 are my best positions. I enjoy going forward and scoring goals so hopefully I can keep that coming in my game and build on last year.
