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Vojislav Milojevic, or Vojo as he’s known to mates, is making a big splash at Springvale White Eagles.
The 19-year-old winger has been one of Springvale’s most potent attacking threats this season, causing damage from the right flank with numerous goals and assists in their maiden NPL 1 campaign.
Despite his individual form, results have at times been hard to come by for the South-East based club this season, highlighted by four consecutive losses to open their account.
However, the White Eagles have bounced back strongly in recent weeks, producing a solid early showing in the Dockerty Cup, winning their past two season games and jumping off the bottom of the NPL 1 ladder, with Milojevic playing an integral role in their revival.
The youngster believes Springvale just needed a spark to kickstart their campaign and instil some confidence in the players, and feels that moment came in a 4-0 drubbing of Whittlesea United in the Dockerty Cup.
“Ever since our 4-0 cup game win [over Whittlesea United], we’ve been playing with more confidence, and the mood has been a lot more positive around the place, which has inspired and motivated the team,” Milojevic said.
“We started working as a team and went out as one, rather than just as individuals.”
Their first NPL 1 victory came against the table topping Box Hill United in round five, where he starred with three assists- winning a penalty and producing two expert cut backs to tee up team-mates.
“That week we trained according to how they play and we trusted the coaches. We hung back and let them play, frustrated them. Yeah, we copped a soft goal in the first half, but we came out after half time and just showed were the better team,” he said.
“The whole team played together and I guess I also played my part and we got a result.”
The next week, against Brunswick, he was in the thick of the action again, with his second consecutive hat-trick of assists, making up for an unlucky own goal during the game.
He has been a shining beacon of light for Springvale this season, scoring goals and assisting teammates even when the results aren’t going the team’s way.
Milojevic’s form is largely in part due to his belief in his ability, along with a desire to play a prominent role in every game that he takes the field.
“The secret is confidence and consistency. My goal for this year is to be consistent in every game I play,” he said.
“Whether it’s scoring, assisting or just doing my part for the team and playing a role, I want to do well week in, week out.”
Coach Zed Mihajlovic has been buoyed by the teenager’s performances, admitting he is integral to the success of the side through his directness, ability to run at defenders, and vision to play pinpoint passes to teammates.
Following Springvale’s first win of the season against Box Hill, the coach quipped, “Vojo in the second half was unstoppable. He put it on against the top team and the league and he needs to do that if we are to succeed this season.”
The 19-year old appreciates the opportunities and support he has received from his coach during his time at Springvale, and is driven to repay the faith shown in him.
“Zed is an amazing guy on and off the field. Hands down one of the best coaches I’ve ever had,” he said.
“I remember being 15 and playing with the under 21’s when Zed called me up to train with the seniors. That year I played six VPL senior games and the Dockerty Cup games.
“It gave me the belief that I could compete and succeed at this level.”
Even though Milojevic currently plies his trade on the wing with great success, he admits he has gone through various positional changes throughout his short career, which has at times been disruptive but has also helped him develop various parts of his game.
“As a kid I started off as a striker, then played centre back. I’ve played all over the park. Holding midfielder, right back, left back-there isn’t a position I haven’t played. Last year i played every single position except centre back,” he says.
“I like playing on the wings because I have my space and it’s in my hands what happens next every time I receive the ball.
“I enjoy playing attacking midfield as well, you get more of the ball, but that’s where you have to create your own space to be able to turn and feed the wingers/strikers or run at the defence.
Having now settled into the season and gotten some runs on the board, Milojevic wants Springvale to maintain the rage and keep pushing for a higher position on the NPL 1 table.
“We want to play the season strongly, perform consistently and hope for the best.”