BALLARAT Red Devils coach James Robinson says the remarkable rise of young gun Dechlan Picken should give hope to other aspiring soccer players in Ballarat.
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Picken, originally from Warrnambool, made his senior debut in the Reds’ National Premier Leagues Victoria 1 win over Springvale White Eagles on Saturday, his performance drawing special praise from Robinson.
Only last year Picken was playing for Warrnambool in the Ballarat District Soccer Association.
A standout performance in February’s pre-season friendly match between a BDSA All-Stars side and the McDonalds Reds caught Robinson’s eye and since then, Picken has not looked back.
After playing a handful of matches as substitute, he earned his first start for the Reds and grasped the opportunity with both hands, playing the first 60 minutes.
His hunger and desire stood out, he doesn’t leave anything out there, he gives everything.”
- Ballarat Red Devils coach James Robinson
“Ever since we recognised him in the All-Stars game earlier in the year we knew it’d take him a while to settle in,” Robinson said.
“He made the big move to Ballarat so to get used to the environment, the intensity, he’s adjusted really well. It was only a matter of time (until he earned a start).
Robinson said Picken had “been a sponge” during his first season at Morshead Park – “he just wants to learn and absorb the environment.”
He said the midfielder should be pleased with his effort.
“He played just over 60 minutes. His hunger and desire stood out, he doesn’t leave anything out there, he gives everything,” he said.
“Plus his skill and eye for goal...people see his work ethic but he’s a clever player. He’s very clever with his running off the ball.”
Robinson said Picken’s rise from BDSA ranks to a starting position for the Reds in less than 12 months was symptomatic of the link he was trying to build between Ballarat’s local competition and its elite side.
And now the gap has been bridged by one player, there is no reason why others can’t follow suit in the future, says Robinson.
“Dechlan put in the hard work and it has paid off so far, it just shows the opportunity is there,” he said.
The Reds’ victory at the weekend extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches.
Their late season run sees them sit just one one point behind second-place (which would earn them a playoff game for promotion), while they remain six points behind competition leader Bulleen Lions.
They meet bottom side Brunswick City this week.
- with Aidan Fawkes