A Ballarat City player who caught the eye of national powerhouse club Melbourne City could find himself in the professional ranks before long after a stellar year in the National Premier League.
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Chudiar Tharjiath was one of two Ballarat City players touted by the club after impressing scouts at the tail-end of the season.
Tharjiath, along with teammate Xagai Douhadji, were subsequently invited to train with the team where they showcased their talent alongside players from the club's A-League squad.
The experience proved a real eye-opener for Tharjiath who hoped he trained well enough to earn a place in the squad going forward.
"It was insane, it was a crazy experience and I still don't know how to describe it," he said.
"It was such a big deal to me and I count myself blessed to have had that experience.
"The intensity was another level up, but with all my heart, that's where I want to be at.
"I'm hungry and I want more of it."
The 20-year-old attack player turned heads during a 3-2 victory over Melbourne City's A-League development squad in round 24 of the NPL2 competition.
Tharjiath scored the match-winning goal for Ballarat in what was a defining win of the season.
WATCH: CHUDIAR THARJIATH SCORES GAME-WINNING GOAL AGAINST MELBOURNE CITY
Tharjiath said he impressed coaches with his running and touch up forward.
"The coach saw something he liked and that's what got me the opportunity," Tharjiath said.
"I personally didn't think I'd played my best, but I did some good things."
Tharjiath was a bright spot for Ballarat City in an otherwise up-and-down season for the club which finished last on the NPL2 table.
Despite the challenging year, Tharjiath said he improved greatly as a player in what was only his first year at the NPL level.
"We performed but we couldn't manage to get the results," he said.
"It was a roller-coaster but we felt more at ease even though we lost a lot more than last season.
"There is a sense of direction and development among the group and something that we are working towards, and that makes me feel good, even when things aren't going the right way."
After taking time to adjust early in the season, Tharjiath said he reached a turning point during a 2-1 win over Box Hill in round 19.
He said it was the first time the league felt easy for him and he knew he belonged.
"I like to have fun on the pitch and feel like I'm playing at the park and that game I felt very good and confident," he said.
"When my confidence is up I can really enjoy myself and make things happen."
Tharjiath hoped to one day show what he could do at an A-League level.
"I'm dreaming big at the moment," he said.
