Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with John Markovski Markovski on looking so good at Glory… Diegos: "John, congratulations on your magnificent start to the season. These days your looking more like "Fabio" rather than "Plugger" Lockett. What do you put down as being the major reason for your great start to the season?" Jonesy: " Well I'd love to play like Plugger scoring heaps of goals, but basically the difference between last season and this season is the intense training. It's definitely toned and sharpened me up." Diegos: " The fans on the 'Hill' in "The Shed" at Perth Oval, have a reputation for being health conscious fanatics. Apparently they only consume low fat beer and rice crackers on match day so they ensure that they are at their best. Can you unveil for the 'Glorious Perth Glory Groper' fans, your secret to developing the ideal athletic physique?" Jonesy: " Well the fans on the 'Hill' are magnificent but l must admit they do come in all shapes and sizes. I'm sure they are all health conscious in their own way." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " Tell us about Perth Glory's newly appointed East German coach, Bernd Stange. They say his 'No Pain, No Gain' attitude to pre season training sorted the men from the boys in the squad. Have you ever trained harder in your life?" Jonesy: "It was a pretty hectic schedule during pre season, training three times a day. It was pleasing to see that everyone in the squad was able to keep up with the pace even though a lot of the squad had not trained as professionals before. Bernd implemented a tough German training regime and was very happy with the way the players coped with it." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " We all know how Western Australians love to party - in that respect you would fit in quite well no doubt. Does Bernd allow you to mix the business of playing for Perth Glory with the pleasure of living in such an exciting soccer state?" Jonesy: "Well when everybody is doing their stuff on the park and things are going well the coach is going to be a little bit more lenient. Bernd doesn't mind what you do off the park as long as the whole squad is consistent on the park." Diegos: " We were all very emotional when you left Melbourne during pre season. Perth is a long way from mum's cooking and 'Chasers' Nightclub in Melbourne. Your mum wants to know whether you are looking after yourself?" Jonesy: "I'm very lucky that my lovely wife is looking after the cooking side of things. As far as Chasers nightclub is concerned, there are plenty of great nightspots and bars to hit in Perth, so I'm not missing out on too much in that respect." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " The Four Diegos have calculated that you have covered more miles than Alby Mangels and the Leyland brothers combined, on your soccer travels. How does the build up to a game in Perth compare with anywhere else in Australia?" Jonesy: "The major difference that l have noticed is that it is essential that you arrive early to the ground or else your going to battle to get in - even if you are a player! To be involved in a Grand final last year that only attracted 16,000 people and then join the Glory, a team that attracts close to 18,000 for home games is unbelievable. Hopefully we can get a finals game over here and play at the WACA. I think that we would attract 45,000 without a doubt." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: " Which of your team mates have impressed you the most?" Jonesy: "I think everyone is looking really good at the moment, especially our goalkeeper, Danny Milosevic. I was lucky enough to play with him at Canberra before he went overseas to Germany and he is looking as rock solid as ever. Our defense has held out really well, not conceding any goals in the first two rounds. We have scored a couple up front and once we all get used to Bernd tactics, I think the soccer public will see an even better team." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: "Jonesy the Diegos have recently spotted you outside the Carlton social club and we must say that you are looking a picture of fitness. What have you done over the last month to lose the kilos?" Markovski: "Training twice a day at Carlton has basically got me into shape. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks I'll be at my best. It's a professional set up at Carlton. They've got things organised as well or even better than any club in Australia. I saw the opportunity to go there and get the best out of myself and hopefully get back to were I was four or five years ago." Diegos: " Is there any truth to the rumour that Eddie Krncevic has just been feeding you bread and water?" Markovski: "Just water no bread." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: "As a 15 year old you burst on to the scene with Sunshine George Cross setting Chaplin Reserve alight with some fantastic goals for the club in the NSL. Looking back at the talent you had, do you believe you've achieved everything you should've over your career?" Markovski: "No I don't. I was fortune to get an opportunity at George Cross at such a young age. I'm grateful that John Gardiner brought me in and gave me a chance. Fortunately things went my way and ever since then people have said when is this Markovski guy going to retire, he's been around a long time. For me to achieve what I want out of the game I would like to play for Australia in a World Cup campaign. Hopefully the upcoming one in France will be my opportunity." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999
Diegos: "What's been the highlight of your representative career?" Markovski: "Without a doubt the Barcelona Olympics. Playing there and doing well personally and as a team was a real thrill. We had a good balanced team and we ended up fourth after a great tournament. Also to have the best athletes in the world around from all sports was the biggest highlight of my career." Soft Sombrero Moment 1999 |