For someone with the vast catalogue of footballing experience that dynamic midfielder Jamie Pollock has behind her, it’s surprising to note that so little was known about the American when she stepped on our shores just over three months ago.
But now with her half-season journey with South Melbourne in the Women’s Premier League approaching a potential championship-winning conclusion, the Victorian footballing community has experienced first hand the special things she can do on the pitch.
A promising footballer from a young age, the Harrison High School product was selected as an NSCAA Youth All-American in 2007 – alongside Melbourne Victory midfielder Christine Nairn – before winning their MVP award in her senior year.
She transitioned seamlessly into college football, making 83 appearances for the University of Georgia’s Bulldogs, scoring 12 goals and grabbing eight assists in the engine room.
The end of her college career saw her offered a professional contract at then Women’s Professional Soccer club Atlanta Beat in 2012, but unfortunate circumstances saw her contract nulled after the top-tier league folded.
She was named as assistant coach of college side Florida Atlantic Owls in late 2013, before landing a playing spot with National Women’s Soccer League club Boston Breakers, where she was fielded in their reserve squad.
A stint at American second division side Atlanta Silverbacks in 2014 came before her move Down Under, where she linked up with Socrates Nicolaidis’ side for the back end of the season.
10 goals – a penchant for a screamer – and a handful of majestic performances later and she’s not only caught the attention of supporters and onlookers alike, but also the immense respect of her teammates and coaches.
“Jamie played for a friend of mine James Galanis and he selected her for the Atlanta Beat in 2012, giving her a glowing report,” South coach Nicolaidis said as he explained Pollock’s journey to the WPL.
“Basically she had signed a contract but the league had folded in 2012, so she went and played for the Boston Breakers reserves.
“She’s a high pedigree player. She raises the standard at training, brought a professionalism to training and she’s like a new zest of life. She’s a special player and she scores special goals.
“We need players like that to help the game in this country and she’s been a breath of fresh air.”
Her captain Alex Cheal also spoke at length about the professionalism she portrays and the way she carries herself on the football pitch, labelling her a good “role model” for the younger girls at the club.
“I found that for me, Jamie fitted in like she’s been here all season. She really just slotted straight into the team and worked really hard,” she said.
“She was one of the leaders at training straight away, directing play and she ended up being a major role model for the younger girls coming through.”
For Pollock herself, she is hoping that a professional approach will help her side stay focused for the entirety of their decider against Boroondara this weekend, admitting that at times this season they’ve lacked that mental edge to see out games.
“The biggest thing about winning a game is that you have to stay focused for 90 minutes, because earlier this season we’ve had games where maybe we’ve had the lead or chasing a game and we lost focus, and that’s cost us the game,” Pollock said.
“Just the entire team staying focused and on the same page is really important in getting a win.”
She however respects the danger that Boroondara pose and while a tantalising midfield match up against Player of the Year Amy Jackson awaits, the contest will come down to whoever wants it more on the day.
“At the end of the day, whoever shows up and is ready to play will win the game. That’s what it comes down to,” she said.
“You could be winning every game all season long but if you don’t show up on the Grand Final, then it might not be your day.
“We need to look past tired legs and not make any excuses and just show up on the weekend.”