“I knew I was going somewhere that has very high expectations, after that I didn’t need a second invitation”
Over an illustrious 15-year career, fulfilling the depths of all the challenges that Australian football has to offer, it only makes sense for Nikolai Topor-Stanley to take on a new voyage and create history during the twilight of his career.
From the graces of being crowned champions of Asia with Western Sydney, to the pride of representing Australia at the Olympics, Topor-Stanley has ticked off more than most could hope for as a professional footballer.
The 36-year-old has currently played 344 A-League matches, the second most of any player since the leagues inception, and will bring his highly regarded experience to John Aloisi’s reformed Western United.
Queries were initially raised as to whether the four time capped Socceroo would put an end to his eminent career at Newcastle last year, but they were put to bed with the announcement in July that he would be signing with the West Melbourne expansion side.
In this conversation with Kick360, the veteran reveals what brought him out West to join one of leagues newest teams.
“First of all, it was a good opportunity, I knew they were a club that were looking to go places.
“I’ve previously worked and played with Hayden Foxe (Western United assistant), so I knew quite well what to expect when he called me. After he gave me the background of what [Western United] were trying to build, I knew I was going somewhere that has very high expectations and after that I didn’t need a second invitation”.
Following a disappointing tenth place finish last year and the fall out of Mark Rudan’s coaching tenure, stability and leadership was paramount to the new look Western United.
With ‘world class’ signings under new manager John Aloisi including Serbian international Aleksander Prijovic and experienced journeyman Neil Kilkenny, Western United are evidently building a well-rounded squad with aspirations to climb the table in their third season in the Isuzu Ute A-League Men.
“They’ve got very high expectations and that’s reflective of how the club has invested in structure and personnel on and off the park.
“The club is certainly ambitious in terms of player signings and development; It’s something I haven’t really experienced before so I’m very excited for the season ahead”
Despite such substantial moves throughout the off season, it is too well known that the A-League simply cannot be won through the individual brilliance from players such as Diamanti or Prijovic.
With the vast amount of changes, Topor-Stanley was posed the question; will it be too much of a challenge to ensure everything can culminate together by round one?
“It’s the million-dollar question, it’s an ongoing process of how you get the best out of the group, not just buying lots of players.
“It’s going to evolve over the season and that’s the challenge for the coaching staff and us players, to adapt to each other and look up to the challenges we put on ourselves – it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to accepting”
Western United have certainly not been immune to criticism throughout their first two seasons in the league. Through their lack of purpose-built stadium, to the somewhat worrisome attendance figures whilst playing at AAMI Park, Western United’s off field issues has undoubtedly presented its fair share of challenges.
“You could call it challenges or problems, I look at the positive side” said Topor-Stanley.
“You’re writing your own history, you have the opportunity to create your own history from a blank slate… and of course it’s challenging when you have to start from scratch but that’s the beauty of it, you can build it how you see fit
“It is in an area of Melbourne that has very passionate supporters, that’s the way I looked at it. I’ve experienced joining an expansion team at Western Sydney Wanderers and I had great success there, I want to emulate it or even beat it”.
“I disagree when people say it’s getting weaker, a lot of people say that to me, but I don’t think it is… I’m coming from a different perspective, maybe I’m clouded by being a player”
Throughout the off-season there have been drastic changes to the ownership and financial status of the A-Leagues. With new sponsorship deals and a ground-breaking new TV deal with Viacom/Paramount Plus, the competition is set for a drastic overhaul over the coming years.
Considering that Topor-Stanley has gone through the realms of Australian football over the last 15 years, it accordingly makes him one of the most qualified personas to elaborate on where he believes the state of football is in the contemporary landscape.
“I am excited for times ahead; I feel we’re in a good position to grow and that’s what we need.
“I disagree when people say it’s getting weaker, a lot of people say that to me, but I don’t think it is… I’m coming from a different perspective, maybe I’m clouded by being a player”
Through viewing the league from a players perspective, he gives insight regarding what the sport needs to do to fulfil its potential.
“We need more games, more minutes, we need engagement from grassroots football fans to turn them into A-League fans.
“It’s difficult when you’re competing with the other codes and everyone loves to watch Liverpool and Manchester United and watching Victory against Western United is not their priority – which is the attitude we have to change in Australia… but the good things is, change needed to happen and its happening, I’m always a glass half full kind of person and I’m really excited for what’s next for the sport in this country”
Undoubtedly Topor-Stanley has faced more than his fair share of difficult periods in the leagues history: Whether it be a Covid ravaged season, difficult transition periods between ownerships or a financially burdened Newcastle Jets.
Ultimately, he endorses the direction the APL is taking.
“I think it’s certainly gone through a rough period in terms of restructure and separations of the league which I think it had to happen, it’s essential that we keep on growing as a sport and as a brand.
“This is a step in the right direction, there are always going be teething problems with these things but I’m optimistic for what’s ahead”
Despite positive signs for the future of Australian football, no club is yet to emulate the successes of the Topor-Stanley captained Western Sydney Wanderers in their famous 2014 Asian Champions League campaign.
He is the first to admit that replicating that success is certainly difficult, it is far from impossible.
“Look it’s no doubt that Australian teams are up against it, especially with the football economy in Asia which has produced great players. We’re not in the position we used to be as the football powerhouse, that has changed with the J-league which has gone to a huge commercial league – which we are also seeing in China, Korea and the Middle East, these are all destination places for premier players”
“I think as Australians we look down on ourselves.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, I think we need to follow the belief that we can produce players. We need to stop doubting ourselves and believe we do play good football; we just need to harvest what Asia has harvested, including development and infrastructure.”
As Topor-Stanley discussed the leagues position in Asia, he likens Australia’s pessimistic nature in domestic football, to how the national team is viewed.
“The results speak for themselves, winning in Asia is tough and we got the world record (in reference to Australia’s record-breaking win streak) anywhere else in the World that would be headline news… we hear more about Italy in their euros run than we do about Australia in our own backyard.”
“Ange Postecoglou tried to change that mentality and he did with the national team. He won the Asian cup with essential belief in Australian footballers and now he is coaching one of the biggest teams in Europe – who can argue with someone of that stature.”
