Barisic and Watson show back on road
ONE of the most prolific Gold Coast Premier League strike partnerships in recent memory is set to reunite – albeit for a different club.
Former A-League Gold Coast United striker Andrew Barisic has this week signed with 2019 Premier League grand finalist Surfers Paradise Apollo, joining former Knights companion Teddy Watson in the front half.
The 34-year-old spent last season flying across the NSW border each weekend to play with Wangaratta City after departing the Gold Coast Knights in early 2019.
But now back the Coast, Barisic turned down several NPL and Premier League offers to reunite with coach Alex Morrison.
“Alex caught me at a good time and he’s been trying to get me for years now,” Barisic said.
“We’ve been friends since back in the day and we’re always catching up but he kept calling and calling and until he gets his way, he won’t let you go.
“Every club I sign with, I want to make sure there is an end goal of winning the league or achieving success and I was asked by a number of other NPL clubs in Brisbane but it wasn’t the right fit.
“It’s been good to get back into the routine but fitness is
Surfers v Broadbeach
Saturday 3pm
Robina v Southport
Saturday 4pm
Palm Beach v Coomera
Saturday 6pm
Nerang v Burleigh
Sunday 4pm
going to be my main concern as I don’t think you lose touch or scoring ability.”
Already boasting a formidable squad, including the likes of several former Nerang Eagles such as Koki Miyasaka, Barisic feels as though his new club is “building something special.”
“We have good depth and Alex has always been very good at managing his players and getting the best out of them,” he said.
“A mate was saying to me the other day, something has changed within me and he could see the spark back in my eye because I’ve missed the football side of things.
“I’m excited to play with everyone at the club, especially Teddy because he’s a great player and he’s probably playing a level under where he should be so I can’t wait to reignite that partnership.”
Surfers Paradise recommences its season against Broadbeach on Saturday afternoon after its Round 2 catch-up clash against Nerang was rained out.