Image: Port Melbourne Sharks
Port Melbourne Sharks defender James Riccobene has departed the club after agreeing to end his four-year spell at JL Murphy Reserve.
The 23-year-old joined the club in their return season to the top-flight in 2013 and was until recently the longest-serving player at the club.
Speaking to TCF following his departure, Riccobene stressed the decision to walk away from the club was a difficult but necessary one in order to further his career progression.
“The four years I spent at Port Melbourne were a great experience, both challenging and rewarding. But in every career, there is a time to move forward for personal growth. A change to freshen up things in a push for silverware, so I just want to give myself every possible chance to fulfil that,” he said.
Having initially made his senior debut with South Melbourne in 2011 as a 17-year-old back in 2011, Riccobene joined Hume City shortly afterwards, making a further two league appearances at Broadmeadows Valley Park.
A year-long stint with Heidelberg United followed in 2012 with the young full-back then also a part of the Melbourne Victory Youth team under Darren Davies.
He joined the newly-promoted Sharks in 2013, where he was reunited with older brother Phillip, and in total made 67 league appearances for the club under Eric Vassiliadis.
“Port Melbourne was a great family club with some great people involved. Immediately I felt welcomed at the club and had the privilege to play alongside some great players along the way, and also alongside my brother for the first time in my career,” he added.
Riccobene reserved special praise to his former mentor for giving him consistent minutes in the top tier of Victorian football, which he ultimately believes helped him mature as a player.
“Eckers [Vassiliadis] gave me the opportunity to get that experience I needed at a VPL/NPL level, especially having come out of the Victory youth system. Consistent game time against men at a young age helped me grow as a player which is something you don’t experience in the youth system at Victory.”
“I was very fortunate to play alongside many quality players whom I’ve learnt a lot off. Combine that with Eric’s knowledge of the game, I felt like I had grown into an established fullback at such a young age,” said Riccobene.
While admitting that a few clubs have already made enquiries regarding his services, the defender stipulated a desire to win silverware as being the major motivating factor in his considerations.
“There are a few clubs that have been in contact, however at this stage in my career I want to ensure I give myself every opportunity to succeed in obtaining silverware for the upcoming years.”
“If the opportunity of full-time football presented itself, I’d be sure to grab that with both hands, so for me it’s being a part of a club that not only attracts interest but has a realistic push for trophies in the upcoming season and years to come.”