MELBOURNE Knights legend Mirko ‘Rus’ Rastocic has become a de facto gear steward to the stars.
That’s what happens when you spend 28 years preparing kits and pitches at one of Australia’s most successful soccer clubs.
The Knights host local rival Green Gully in Tuesday night’s FFA Cup Round of 16 clash, in what will evoke memories for the ex-NSL clubs.
Rastocic has had over 50 internationals call his changeroom home, but two stand out.
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READ NOWSublimely skilled defender Josip Simunic and Mark Viduka, who won successive golden boot and player of the year awards also as a teen.
“Simunic was the best player to play here, Viduka was the biggest name and a goalscorer,’’ Rastocic said.
“They were young but knew what they wanted and both got to where they did largely because of their unbelievable character.
“Even when they needed help they didn’t whinge, they strapped themselves if need be and never walked by without saying hi. That was the difference between them and many others.
“Wherever Viduka played, from Dinamo Zagreb to the rest, he always sent me his playing strip and I’ve still got them.’’
Rastocic said the role has helped him battle bone marrow cancer. While it’s under control, he’s still receiving chemotherapy and on Monday he went straight to Peter McCallum Cancer Centre from the club.
Recognition isn’t why he’s dedicated his life to the Knights. Since arriving from Croatia in 1971 with a love of soccer, Melbourne Croatia Soccer Club (now Knights) was his first port of call.
In 1988 he “accidentally” stepped into the property steward role and he’s since assumed legend status.
“Six days after arriving from Croatia, I became a member of Melbourne Croatia and until I die the club will always be number one for me,’’ he said.
“I used to help prepare the lamb on the spit in the social club before the gear steward broke his leg, so he asked me to come and help and (then captain) George Hannah and the players asked me to stay.
“Many times I’ve thought enough is enough, yet I’m still here.
“I haven’t had an issue with one player or coach. I’ve stood by them and never messed in the coach’s business.
“I just try and make their job as easy as possible by having everything ready when they enter the changeroom.’’
Knights midfielder Anthony Dezic, 18, has strong family ties and has progressed from the junior ranks and said it was a huge night.
“Green Gully’s always a big game but this is massive. It’ll probably be the biggest crowd I’ve played in front of and it’ll be huge if we win,’’ Dezic said.
No room for Gully gloom
GREEN Gully coach Arthur Papas concedes his team will have to be at their best to win their latest ‘Cup final’.
Melbourne Knights host Gully in Tuesday night’s FFA Cup Round of 16 clash, with the winner a huge chance of taking on an A-League club in next month’s quarter-finals.
Gully’s extra-time Dockerty Cup final loss 10 days ago was compounded by last Friday’s 5-2 elimination final loss at Oakleigh.
Papas conceded competing on three fronts had made it challenging for Gully, who were preparing for their 37th game of the season.
“It was disappointing but the season’s been very positive and we can’t become completely despondent over one or two results,’ Papas said.
“It feels like every game in the last two months is a final and that’s very difficult to navigate, but we have a last chance (tonight) to keep our season alive and we know we’ll have to be at our best.’’
Gully, who are without Klimemt Taseski (adductor) and Japanese ace (Iwazaki Yowi), will be led by Round of 32 hero Liam Boland and former Knights defender Rodrigo Vargas.
Knights are buoyed by the return of gun attacker Stipo Andrijasevic from a trial at Wellington Phoenix.