A CHANGE of scenery and joining a free-flowing attack has Sunraysia soccer export Riley Aunger loving life again.
Following three-and-a-half seasons with Valentine in the NPL Men’s Northern NSW competition, the 22-year-old joined Adamstown Rosebud Football Club and made a brilliant start.
One of the oldest football clubs in Australia that has operated continuously since inception in 1889, the Newcastle team were close to relegation from the top flight of the competition last year.
Now in four games this season, Adamstown Rosebud are sitting sixth on the table, with Aunger playing an important role in a fluid front four.
The former Mildura City player has played mostly as a wide midfielder, kicking two goals in a contest against Maitland FC and helping defeat his former side 4-3.
A 1-0 over Lambton Jaffas in recent weeks has them in a good place early in the season.
Following 42 games for Valentine since 2021, Aunger said the change of environment was the best thing he could have done.
“Just being around a new playing group and a new coach has been great,” he said.
“Sometimes if you get a bit too comfortable making a change is probably necessary. It was a tough thing to leave the boys who I’m really close with, and to leave the club who gave me a chance out of Mildura which doesn’t happen very often.
“The coach that brought me in isn’t there any more and the move just gives me the opportunity to play a bit more freely.”
While some saw the choice to join the former National Soccer League club as a step down, Aunger felt it was a great opportunity to build confidence in his game.
“I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to do, and had even considering being a bit closer to home and trying to play in the NPL South Australia,” he said.
“They were one of the first cubs to call when they heard I’d considered leaving, and how keen they were to have me was a real drawcard, it’s always nice to be wanted.
“For me it was just about getting regular football and playing with some freedom again and building some confidence to where I could possibly progress further in my career.
“I’d love for there to be an opportunity overseas but I’m still developing and loving my life in Australia at the moment, so no complaints.”
Adamstown Rosebud have created a strong attacking presence within the league.
“It’s been incredible,” he said. “Everyone up here picked us to come dead last but currently we’re in sixth which is great.
“I managed to score two goals against my old coach the other week which was a great result and just getting minutes has been great.”
A big contest against seventh-placed Cooks Hill United awaits on Friday night.
