Winning Edge Presentations NPL 1 Player of the Month, Rounds 5-8 – Joey Katebian (FC Bulleen Lions)

Joey Katebian announced himself in the NPL 1 with a stunning strike in the opening round, and the Bulleen striker has not looked back ever since.

Amazingly, the 18-year-old has scored in every game except one so far this season, including a four-goal haul against Springvale White Eagles in Round 8.

With his seven goals in the past month, it is perhaps no surprise that Katebian polled nine votes from FFV’s match reporters in that period to be the league’s standout performer.

FFV’s Julian Trantino caught up with Katebian to find out more about the promising teenager who has played in the National Youth League (NYL) for Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart.

JT: Congratulations Joey. After scoring seven goals in four weeks, would it be fair to say you’re not surprised to have claimed the NPL 1 Player of the Month award?

JK: I wasn’t really expecting it to be honest! We’ve had a few good results and I’ve been doing well. It’s a great honour to win the award.

You’ve scored in every game this season except one. What do you put your form down to?

I’ve been training hard and trying to get fit, especially over the summer. With Melbourne Heart (NYL, 2013/2014) I got really fit and improved as a player. Fitness was my main concern, I wasn’t as fit as I should have been so I lost some weight and did some extra running and I’ve gained some speed, which has helped me a lot. I think it comes down to that, just hard work and effort.

You’re only 18 but now starting to make a name for yourself. For those who may not know much about your journey, could you shed some light on your career so far?

I’ve played for Bulleen my whole career and have been there since under-sevens. I’ve been through the youth system in the A-League. First year I was with Melbourne Victory and then I went over to Heart, but I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of this year.

How did you go with Bulleen in State League 1 last year, and have you noticed much of a difference between that league and the NPL 1?

I started in six or seven games but I was mainly on the bench last year. The standard’s a bit better and some of the teams are better. We’ve had a few good signings and I’m happy with the team. We’ve been doing very well and we’ve only lost one game.

You stole the headlines in Round 7 when you scored four goals against Springvale. How did you pull that off?

It was a high-scoring game and fortunately I was in the right areas at the right time but they were all team goals and I give credit to my team as well for setting me up, so I can’t take all the credit by myself.

Of all the goals you’ve scored so far this season, which one rates as your favourite?

The first game of the season was a big one and we beat Moreland 2-0. I scored the second goal which was a solo effort that I was happy with and probably the third goal against Springvale which was a shot, but unfortunately it wasn’t on camera.

What are you up to outside of football?

I’m at university twice a week and I go to the gym and hang out with friends, but I’m concentrating a lot on football this year because I want to get into the A-League. To start back in the NYL and hopefully step up into the A-League in the next few years would be my goal.

The NPL 1 Player of the Month is voted by FFV’s match reporters in a 3-2-1 voting system for each match

Image credit: John Punshon/Goal! Weekly