TOM Aulton has been with Moreton Bay United less than a week, but already has seen the “potential” here.
The 20-year-old joined Jets on Monday, from NPL Qld rivals Olympic where he was working his way back from an injury at the start of the year.
The central defender was pitched straight into his first game just 24 hours later and helped Jets to a battling 1-1 draw against Easts at Wolter Park.
“It was pretty nerve-wrecking, but I felt confident playing with these guys,” said Tom.
“I know a few of the boys and they have been so welcoming. Playing in this team felt good …. the players are easy to play with.
“I reckon we definitely have potential here to get some wins. I thought we could have taken all the points against Easts.”
Now, six days after signing, Tom is preparing to face Brisbane Roar Under 21 at Logan Metro Sports Centre today, kick-off 2pm.
Three points would move Jets up from ninth to sixth, right behind Brisbane Roar. In fact only seven points currently separate sixth and last place on the ladder.
“The league is all over the place, everyone’s beating everybody else,” said Tom. “We have a good team, some depth and I don’t think it’s too late to think about finals.”
Tom was with Palm Beach Under 14s in the first year of the NPL Queensland before joining Brisbane Strikers in the Under 15s and Under 16s.
From there it was a short trip to Brisbane City, where Tom was soon elevated to senior level by former City coach John Kosmina and captained the side.
Victorian powerhouse South Melbourne snapped up the 19-year-old and he made nine appearances, before joining Olympic and now Jets for the 2020 season.
“Moreton Bay has had a few injuries and Royce (Brownlie) rang Ben Cahn (Olympic coach) to say here was an opportunity for me to start playing again,” said Tom.
“The style here, the style we played with on Tuesday, was exactly how I like it. I like to play out from the back. Now I just need to get game time.”
Jets Under 20s face their Brisbane Roar counterparts also at Logan at noon today.