Pondeljak coming home

Still reckon we should have kept Caceras, but with Pondeljak, Ward and Hernandez in attack and Brebner and Muscat holding the fort defensively I reckon that we're looking pretty good.

Melbourne Victory has recruited Qantas Socceroos midfielder Tom Pondeljak from the Central Coast Mariners, with the experienced stalwart returning to his hometown on a two-year deal.
Despite signing two weeks before Victory’s AFC Champions League 2008 campaign begins, Pondeljak won’t be available for the Group Stage of the tournament due to player registrations closing earlier this month.

However, he will remain on standby incase of injury ahead of Victory’s historic first game in Asia’s premier club competition against the Chunnam Dragons on Wednesday, 12 March, and will be available for the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 season.

Pondeljak, who was part of the Qantas Socceroos training squad for its FIFA World Cup qualifier against Qatar earlier this month, played 55 matches over three seasons with Central Coast, including last Sunday’s Hyundai A-League Grand Final against the Newcastle Jets.

“I’m happy to be coming back to my home town and I’m looking forward to the next two seasons,” Pondeljak said.

“There’s a good bunch of boys from what I hear and there’s a good mix of youth and experience, so it’s going to be exciting stuff.

“I’ve got a young family now, so we were just waiting for an opportunity and it’s come along, which is great.

“I’ve always wanted to play football in Melbourne, so coming back to play for Victory is a huge bonus.”

Pondeljak, who made his debut for the Qantas Socceroos in 2002, overcame a knee strain to represent Central Coast at this year’s Grand Final and was also part of the Mariners side that contested the inaugural Hyundai A-League Grand Final against Sydney FC.

“It was disappointing to get into a second Grand Final and not win it, but I’m at Victory now so I’m looking to reach another Grand Final and win one.”