It’s probably the last thing he expected when the 2024/25 A-League Men’s (ALM) season rolled around.
But, Kosta Grozos will grab the captain’s mantle with both hands when the Newcastle Jets run onto McDonald Jones Stadium against Melbourne City in round one on Saturday 17 October.
Head coach Rob Stanton made the important call to name the 24-year-old as skipper, following the departures of several senior players, with goalkeeper Ryan Scott appointed his deputy.
And, the mentor is confident Grozos will handle the role with aplomb after taking on the position in the recent Australia Cup tournament.
“Kosta led on the field last season, showing calmness and maturity well beyond his years,” Stanton said.
“He’s developed into a strong leader… and he is ready for the upcoming campaign.
“I’m very pleased to confirm him as our captain.”
Grozos, who joined Newcastle in 2021, has made 77 appearances for the Jets across all competitions.
The central midfielder’s also become an integral member of the squad.
However, having the “c” next to his name is a huge honour.
“Words can’t describe how much of a privilege it is to captain this club in its 20th season,” he said.
“Newcastle is home for me now… I love it here.
“In fact, I feel if I left, I’d lose a part of myself.
“So, I’m stoked.
“I’ll leave absolutely nothing out on the field while I wear the armband for Newcastle.”
Obviously, every pre-season prepares you for the first game. But, I feel there’s just something a bit more special about this one.
Kosta Grozos
Grozos said he was informed of the decision during the pre-season but never expected it to be a full-time gig.
“Just before the game in Darwin, the boss (Stanton) pulled me aside and told me he wanted me to be captain for the match,” he explained.
“I was sort of shocked at first but, at the same time, excited.
“It just kept following on [from there].
“Then, we spoke again the other week, and Rob said he wanted me to do it for the rest of the season.
“I didn’t know what to say to be fair.
“When I first arrived here, about four or five years ago, I didn’t really expect that this is where I’d be.
“However, everything happens for a reason.
“I’m glad I’m still at the Jets and fortunate enough to lead the boys.
“I guess it shows the boss believes in me and puts his trust in me.
“It’s up to me to reciprocate that back to him.
“We have a very young team, including myself.
“So, I also want to help mentor and be a role model for them… assist them in the same way I was nurtured into the A-League environment.”
Newcastle finished 2023/24 strongly and chalked up a couple of wins in the recent Australia Cup, so optimism is high in the club.
“Obviously, every pre-season prepares you for the first game,” Grozos said.
“But, I feel there’s just something a bit more special about this one.
“A Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter aircraft from No 76 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown, will fly over McDonald Jones Stadium beforehand and we’re facing a top six team at home.
“So, I’m expecting good crowd numbers to cheer us on.
“I know the boys are ready.
“They’ve been working hard this pre-season… in fact, we’ve had almost three months to prepare, which is a long time.
“Plus, Rob’s had a year under his belt with us now.
“We’re just adding layers to our side – and to our game – and we can’t wait to play.
“The past couple of years haven’t been great with where we’ve finished on the table.
“We need to focus on cementing ourselves in that top six, maybe the top four.
“It would be great to secure a home final like we did back in 2017.
“Newcastle was rocking on that occasion.
“So, we’ve set a few personal goals, and at team level, too.
“It’s up to us all to deliver.”
The match kicks off at 5pm.
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- NRLW: Knights Rookie of the Year extends stay at club
- Let’s Fish Lake Mac 2024 reels in $100k prize pool
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