ANDRE Gallo knew he had to make the move.
It’s a point many young Sunraysia athletes reach, when relocating will give greater opportunities in their chosen sport.
The 20-year-old footballer has embraced the challenge and is thriving in his quest to reach the professional level.
The former Three Colours and Irymple Knights player was a star for Altona City in 2022, top scoring with 13 goals to guide the club to an undefeated Boys Metropolitan 20A campaign.
Taking the step up this year, Gallo made the switch to NPL3 side Geelong SC, bestowed the captain’s armband for the Under 21 side and pushing for a senior debut.
The attacking midfielder is on the cusp. He was called up to the senior squad for the Lions’ recent Australia Cup preliminary fixture against Brunswick Juventus, but was unused as they won 5-0.
Gallo said he is loving his time down south.
“Having played in Mildura for so long, it was time for me to move on if I wanted to try and make it further,” he said.
“Certain coaches had said to me the next step was to try my luck in Melbourne, so once I finished my VCE in 2021, I made the call.
“I moved down last year at the end of February to play for Altona City, and after a successful season I wanted to challenge myself further by aiming for the NPL in 2023.
“I had my name down to try out at Geelong but they contacted me and invited me down to training and I was lucky enough for them to offer me a contract that night.
“My new coach said he’d kept an eye on me at Altona City and was keen for me to come, which is real confidence boost.”
Geelong’s Under 21 side has started the year with three wins in four games, with Gallo getting on the score sheet in the season opening 5-1 victory over Doveton.
Gallo said he was grateful for the opportunity to be named captain and hopes a senior call-up is on the cards.
“This year, it’s a new coach, a new line-up so it’s an honour to be named captain, but I’m still pushing hard to try and make a senior debut,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve always been a leader even if I haven’t had the armband. It’s always the way I’ve tried to play.
“Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance in that last cup tie but the coach (Ted Latomanski) said he’s really happy with how I’m going and he’s keeping an eye on me for a potential debut.
“You definitely get some confidence knowing they’re tracking how you’re going, and all I can do is keep playing my best for the Under 21 team.
“Geelong are a really supportive club and have a really good culture. From seniors through to women’s to juniors, everyone is really involved.”
Gallo hopes a future as a professional is on the horizon and he’ll work hard to give himself every opportunity to get there.
