Image: Mark Avellino
The Port Melbourne Sharks have made former Moreland Zebras goalkeeper Nikola Kostadinoski their 10th signing of the off-season under new manager Dominic Barba.
A state and national representative in his youth, Kostadinoski made his senior breakthrough in 2012 with third tier side Clifton Hill.
He then joined fellow State League Two side the Preston Lions, steering the club away from the drop and enhancing his credentials which prompted a move to the Zebras in 2014.
At Moreland, Kostadinoski eventually displaced Alex Stojanovski as the club’s first choice between the sticks and ended the campaign by winning NPL1 Player of the Month for September.
An outstanding 2015 for both club and player ended in heartbreak as Danny Gnjidic’s men narrowly missed out on promotion following a 2-1 play-off defeat to Melbourne Victory Youth.
The arrival of Stefaan Sardelic in 2016 saw Kostadinoski lose his starting spot before eventually recovering it and losing it again before season’s end.
In total, the 23 year-old made 60 league appearances for the Zebras and will battle out with fellow new signing Brendan White for the number one spot at JL Murphy Reserve under the watchful eye of goalkeeping coach Blerton Belica.
Kostadinoski joins Takanori Nishimoto, Michael McGowan, Philippe Bernabo-Madrid, White, Jason Shade, Kobbie Boahene, Christopher Cristaldo, John Maclean and Jordon Lampard as new additions to the Sharks dressing room.
The club has also re-secured the services of 2016 squad members Bonel Obradovic, Alan Kearney, Tyler James, James Karvelis, Ryan Opperman and David Stirton with new manager Barba bringing in former St Albans, Fawkner and Preston coach Vlado Vanis as his assistant.
Port Melbourne kick off their 2017 NPL campaign away to Heidelberg United at Olympic Village on Saturday February 11.