A FRESH CHALLENGE
THERE are few things Matt Hilton hasn’t experienced in Gold Coast football but the veteran striker admits he will enter unfamiliar territory in tonight’s battle with RWB Adria.
Fresh off his coronation as joint Premier League Player of the Year with Broadbeach’s Shaun Robinson, Hilton will captain the Gold Coast Select Team against Chicago-based Adria at the Croatian Sports Centre at 7pm.
The 32-year-old is one of four Burleigh players in the squad, while coach Colin Phelan will take the reins after steering the Bulldogs to this season’s Premier League finals.
Hilton, a former Joeys star who also collected this year’s Golden Boot with 27 goals, said the chance to line up alongside his one-time rivals would be an experience to remember.
“It will definitely be a bit of a change but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“Everyone who’s been picked are all quality. It will just be interesting to see what their style of play will be and see how we gel.
“I always love playing, as every player does. It’s good just to have one last kick for the season with a bunch of new guys I haven’t played with before and just enjoy it.”
The Coast outfit includes five players from the doublewinning Gold Coast Knights squad, four from grand finalists Broadbeach and three from the Surfers Paradise side that knocked Burleigh out of the title race.
Phelan said he was in a privileged position to guide the team.
“It is an honour and it’s a good feeling knowing they trust the Select side with you so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“You’re fierce rivals with these lads every week and then it’s nice to get us under the same roof.
“You’re only going to learn more about other players, what makes them tick, how good they really are.”
The game against Adria will serve as a precursor to the 44th Croatian Soccer Association of Australia tournament at the Knights’ Carrara headquarters from Thursday to Sunday.