Brisbane striker Justin Vidic insists he does not feel the need to prove anything to his former club Newcastle ahead of their Sunday match, but he is determined to demonstrate his "quality" after being released by the Jets last season.
After scoring just one goal in 13 A-League appearances—12 of which came off the bench—Vidic was not offered a new contract when Mark Milligan replaced Robbie Stanton as Newcastle Jets coach. Facing uncertainty about his professional future, the 21-year-old seized the opportunity to trial with Brisbane Roar.
His perseverance earned him a two-year deal, as his hardworking, traditional style fits Brisbane's straightforward and physical tactics under coach Michael Valkanis.
“These things happen for a reason,” said Vidic before the Roar-Jets clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium. “I’m sure I’ll show my quality. I don’t think I have anything to prove to them. They know what I’m capable of, and there are lots of people at the club that I still speak to and that I’m still close to.”
Vidic added,
“They know my potential and I want to show them that on Sunday.”
This season, Vidic has started two out of Brisbane’s three matches and scored his first A-League goal for the Roar in their 2-1 loss to Wellington last month.
“Starting in our past two games has been good for me,” Vidic said.
Justin Vidic embraces a fresh start at Brisbane Roar, confident in his abilities and ready to impress his former club without feeling pressured to prove himself.