South Melbourne have snared the signing of 25-year-old New Zealand international Jason Hicks, who last plied his trade at Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.
After a career in the ASB Premiership with Waitakere United, WaiBop United, Auckland City, Team Wellington, and a short stint with NPL Queensland side Sunshine Coast, he was signed as an injury replacement with the Phoenix in 2013.
His performances led to a two-year contract with the club, where he ended up making over 30 appearances and scored two goals.
The English-born defensive midfielder played for the English U17 team in 2007 before switching his allegiance to New Zealand, featuring for the U-23 team in 2012.
An All Whites call-up followed in 2014, with Hicks making his debut in a scoreless draw against South Africa.
Roster changes saw manager Ernie Merrick cut ties with the midfielder at the end of the 2014-15 A-League season in a year where he made eight league appearances, scoring one goal.
“These things happen. You don’t get another contract, you don’t get re-signed,” Hicks said.
“Next best club to come to is South Melbourne, so here I am.”
He is the fifth New Zealander to be associated with South Melbourne in recent seasons, joining captain Michael Eagar at Lakeside, while James Musa, Luke Adams and Andy Bevin also featured previously.
“Obviously I knew a few people from here and I just got in contact,” he said.
“Ernie [Merrick] actually asked me to come [to South Melbourne] when I was leaving the Phoenix. So I think it all eventuated from that. It progressed and here I am now!”
Hicks wasted no time in voicing his goals for the upcoming NPL Victoria season.
“[I want to] win the league with South. They won it last year and I think to just win as many trophies as we can.
“I haven’t won a trophy in a little while and that’s what I’ve come here for.”
South Melbourne have four confirmed new additions, with Marcus Schroen, Luke Eyles and Zaim Zenelli also set to feature in 2016.