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Q&A With St George Fc Defender Mark Rodic

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  • HOW DO YOU RATE THE NSW NPL 1 MEN’S COMPETITION IN THE FOOTBALL LANDSCAPE?

I think the NSW NPL1 competition is a great and competitive league. The league is full of a mixture of experience and young talent, with players getting A-League opportunities almost every year. The league is full of quality players, coaches and strong club cultures and for that reason I rate it high up in the Australian NPL landscape.

  • YOU ARE VERY EXPERIENCED IN THE NPL?

 These days I’d consider myself more experienced yes, with it being my 12th season playing NPL1. There’s definitely new challenges and situations you face constantly so I still have a lot to learn.

  • YOU ARE REGARDED AS A QUIET ACHIEVER IN THE NPL – YOU DO THE WORK WITH A MINIMUM OF FUSS?

I guess so. I’m content in my performances and what I provide for the team, so I’ve never had an issue with flying under the radar. Naturally being a centre back I’m rarely on the scoresheet but I rather prevent goals as it’s my main job.

  • YOU HAVE PLAYED WITH FOUR NPL CLUBS, DO THEY DIFFER MUCH IN THEIR APPROACH?

Yes and no. At the end of the day all teams try to be highly competitive and prepare well for the opposition they’ll face on the weekend. Where it has differed with St George is our strong approach on possession and movement. We definitely focus on this more than I have with other teams.

  • HOW ARE YOU FINDING YOUR TIME AT ST GEORGE FC?

The club and people involved have been amazing to me and we’re a close group that get on very well. The culture is great, club is close to home, and I believe I’m having another good season so there’s plenty to be happy with. So far, so good.

  • DO YOU THINK A TOP SIX SPOT IS ACHIEVABLE?

100% achievable. Up until this point we’ve dealt with a tonne of injuries but recently we expanded the squad with new signings in the transfer window. We know that it’s no easy task and closing the gap to 6th spot will be tough but given the increase in troops and how much we want it I think it’s doable.

  • YOU ARE ONE OF THE “SENIORS” IN A YOUNG SQUAD?

I am now yes, that’s one aspect of my game I’ve had to think about a lot more than usual. Fab and Billy have given me a leadership role which keeps me accountable for a number of things at training, in the sheds and on game day.

  • IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT ST GEORGE FC HAS BEEN THE SURPRISE PACKETS SO FAR IN 2025?

I’d say yes however a lot of teams on their day are hard to beat. I think where we differ from other teams is our ability to retain ball possession and play an attractive brand of football, something to be proud of. Fab definitely has a philosophy behind the way we play and I’m just glad we have all really followed what he’s tried to teach.

  • AWAY FROM FOOTBALL WHAT WORK DO YOU DO?

I’m a Parts Interpreter at Volkswagen. I essentially quote and sell parts to mechanical customers and for insurance jobs.

  • YOU’RE ONLY 27 DO YOU ENVISAGE PLAYING ON MUCH LONGER?

Of course. Age for me doesn’t mean much as long as my body can keep performing at a high standard and injuries stay away. I know unfortunately the day will come but not anytime soon.

  • THE A LEAGUE -YOU JOINED BRISBANE ROAR BUT DIDN’T PLAY?

I signed a pro contract for Brisbane Roar years ago in 2016. It was straight after my last High School exam when I moved up there alone. It was an unforgettable experience playing professionally. I learnt a lot, matured on and off the field and met some life-long mates. An experience that taught me a lot for sure.

  • ANY UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS OR REGRETS?

We all make mistakes and/or the wrong decision at one point. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised more and more that I’m lucky to have what I currently do and have been blessed to experience some of the things I have so I’d say no regrets, only lessons.

  • WHAT ADVICE DO YOU OFFER TO THE YOUNGER PLAYERS IN THE CLUB AS THEY START AND CONTINUE THEIR CAREERS?

It’s hard to keep this one broad but the major points of advice I’d suggest to any youngster are:

  • There are no shortcuts to any place worth going – hard work is king
  • Stay true to yourself
  • Keep a level head
  • Always look to push yourself and to improve
  • AT THE END OF THE SEASON, YOU ARE OFF ON A TRIP OF A LIFETIME?

I am indeed. It’s not a massive trip but good enough for me considering I’ve never been to Europe. I’ll be going to Mykonos, Montenegro, Belgrade, Budapest and Amsterdam spanning just over a month. Will also be nice to see some family in Serbia

  • BY TONY PETERS

St George FC

St George FC

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