Oozing class, Hassan Alhilfi bounces the ball metronomically off his boot mere centimetres from News photographer Rodney Braithwaite.
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Holding equipment valued north of $10,000 a pencil length from jeopardy, Braithwaite offers words of encouragement to get the perfect snap. “Don’t worry about hitting me.”
A cool smile, a calm retort from Alhilfi. “That won’t happen.”
He was right.
It’s that kind of confidence which is thrusting the 15-year-old under the noses of Melbourne’s finest youth set-ups.
That, and the fact he can’t stop scoring against them.
As one of the latest talents hot off the Goulburn Valley Suns’ production line, Alhilfi already has five goals in six games for the under-16s, and is showing no teething problems in making the striker position his own.
The Youth Academy scouts sat down with Alhilfi to discuss how he intends to torment defences in the near future.
Orange army
Enlisted into the Suns’ ranks in 2018, Alhilfi is never far from the scoresheet. His silky feet and eye for goal has landed him in the state nets, where he has strung performance on performance together for Victoria Country.
Youth Academy: You’ve started out with six goals in five games, how have you found the season so far?
Hassan Alhilfi: It’s been going good mate. We started off a bit slow in the first game, but after that we bounced back with two wins. It’s just a good team this year and I reckon we have a good chance to be the top team.
YA: What positions have you played to date?
HA: For Vic Country I usually played as a winger, and for one game against Western Australia I went up front which was a good game. We bounced back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, and I ended up scoring the winner.
YA: In transitioning from winger to striker, what areas of your game are you working on?
HA: Everything man. I’m learning to come forward to the ball — dragging defenders away so a player can run in behind. That is a big tactic we’re working on at the moment.
YA: What do you think are some of your strengths?
HA: I’m quick, I can get in between players, I can head the ball. Finishing; I’m very good at that too.
YA: When did you join the Suns?
HA: I joined in 2018, that was my first year. I’ve learned so much you know. I love it here, the managers, everyone — it is such a good club.
YA: Has there been any advice from coaches that has stood out to you?
HA: Shane Dunne, who is the under-17s coach, he watches my games and tells me things to help me out. Billy Marshall helps me out a lot as well.
Son of a gun
A ball at his feet and fire in the belly — that’s how Alhilfi first recalls his love affair with football beginning. The teenager is on track to scale great heights — and in turn gain ultimate bragging rights — on the way to the nation’s pinnacle.
YA: What sparked your love for soccer initially?
HA: Oh, everything. Ever since I was five man, I had a little goal in the backyard. My dad was a soccer player here, he played for Shepparton South in the ‘90s. I’m trying to take up what he did here.
YA: What does your dad tell you about his playing days?
HA: He says he was probably one of the best players to play for South, the best player in Shepparton he said. I don’t know man. He’s good to have conversations with though, he helps me out a lot.
YA: You have represented Vic Country, what has that experience been like?
HA: Going down to Melbourne, the facilities are amazing, the coaching is amazing — just all-round amazing. Our Vic Country team was together for two years, and we ended up going pretty well in our groups.
YA: Have you always lived in Shepparton?
HA: I have grown up in Shepparton my whole life. My family came from Iraq, originally living in Sydney before coming here.
YA: What do you get up to outside of football?
HA: I like watching basketball, I get a lot of motivation from players like LeBron James. I listen to (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic too, not many people like him, but he’s good. You might be surprised, but I like cooking as well. I make a mean omelette.
Tiki Taka
YA: What has been your favourite footballing moment?
HA: The Western Australia game. I scored the winner. It started at the back, played through the thirds and I was there to tap it in. We were the only team to beat them and they ended up winning the competition.
YA: What has been your least favourite footballing moment?
HA: My first season; red card. To this day I can’t believe it. I don’t think I can repeat it, I just said some bad things to the ref.
YA: Who is your footballing idol?
HA: Everyone says Messi, but I like Sergio Busquets. He is just so composed, I learn a lot from him and how he moves. But my striker idol is Luis Suarez — he is incredible.
YA: What is your favourite team?
HA: Manchester City. Their playing style is nice, you know?
YA: What is next for you in terms of football?
HA: I want to go to maybe Melbourne Victory or Melbourne City — I hope to get a trial with one of them this season. I can’t wait to play them; I think it will be a strong game.
Liam's Last Word
I've heard the groundskeeper at McEwen Reserve is getting sick and tired of restringing the nets after Alhilfi continues to bust them with a litany of powerful strikes. He asked the 15-year-old to stop, to which Alhilfi replied "that won't happen".