Nikolai Topor-Stanley has made an immediate impact on and off the pitch since arriving at Western United in July this year.
Joining from Newcastle Jets, the A-League Men veteran has joined a defensive contingent that is turning heads at United, conceding just one goal across the first four league matches.
READ MORE: WHAT WATCHING SPORT WITH MY FAMILY MEANT TO ME – NIKOLAI TOPOR-STANLEY
Topor-Stanley himself has contributed to two clean sheets against Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar, and said his ability to slot into the team is down to the competition in training and the depth in the squad.
“That’s a testament to the depth of our squad and the training that we do, that everyone needs to be ready when the chance is available,” he told The Green Room on FNR Football Nation Radio.
“It’s as simple as repetition, working hard and having everyone buy into philosophy, tactics, and putting that into practice on the training field.
“It drives excellence. We can all push each other and learn off each other as well. Even though I do have experience, I’m trying to learn every day, whether it’s off a younger player, whether it’s off an international player, whether it’s off the coaches. That’s what winning teams do, and if we can all push each other to higher levels on the training pitch, then hopefully that will show on matchday.”
Nikolai Topor-Stanley is taking a big role at Western United
Even at 36 years of age, Topor-Stanley is still performing at a high level, having won the player of the year at Newcastle last season before making the switch to the Green and Black.
He said much of that is thanks to the hard work that he has become used to, having to earn his place in the professional game and ensure he keeps himself in top shape to maintain it.
His continued motivation to seek new learnings and success has led him to Western United, and he is firm in his belief that the Club is positioned to reach some significant heights in the coming years.
“It’s a Club that has huge ambition. I’ve bounced around for a while and I don’t say this lightly – this club has put in a lot of resources to be the best football team in Australia. That’s the ambition behind the scenes, it doesn’t happen overnight but that’s something that drew me,” he said.
Topor-Stanley hailed the ability of the playing squad and also praised the coaching from John Aloisi and his assistant Hayden Foxe, and will continue alongside the Club’s vision for silverware and growth on and off the pitch in the coming years.
Tune in to The Green Room on FNR every Wednesday
