In a day and age where larger than life personalities in football are increasingly becoming a thing of the past, players like Stefan Colakovski are keeping the breed alive.
Often described as a cult hero and a fan favourite, the 26-year-old has earned plenty of admirers in his time with the Glory and with Melbourne City.
Whether you love him or hate him, as some Auckland fans might do after his goal celebration in front of The Port back in March, he doesn’t mind as long as people are watching.
“As a fan, it’s so much more interesting to watch games when there’s someone to support and someone to dislike, or hope doesn’t do well,” he said.
“I don’t mind being that character and putting myself out there. If fans from other teams watch me and hope I play poorly, or hope Perth Glory lose because of me, or because I’m talking online, I don’t mind that at all because that might be an extra set of eyes on our game.”
Colakovski credits Glory head coach Adam Griffiths, who he also worked with while at the Wellington Phoenix, for allowing him to express his true self on and off the pitch.
“I’ve seen in the past how many coaches bring characters down and suppress their energy a little bit, whereas he embraces it; he wants big characters and confidence. When you get that from a coach, it gives you confidence to be who you are and put on a show.”
It’s for this reason the Glory winger will be rocking a different number in season 2026/27,moving away from 67 and returning to the one he wore under Alen Stajcic three seasons ago.
“I have decided to go back to the number 7,” he revealed. “It’s a big number for big players and I want to have that number back like I did in my last season at Glory. It gives me extra pressure which I thrive on to perform as a key player.”
The first chance to see him wearing it again could come on Tuesday night as the Glory face Queensland NPL side Lions FC in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup.
Much like the head coach in his preview of the contest, Colakovski recognised the importance of a Cup run and the challenge they’ll face at Spencer Park.
“It’s about not taking it lightly and understanding this is a must-win game for us,” he said. “It’s a trophy that’s out there and we need to be in the best position to win a trophy.”
After missing thirteen months of action with an ACL injury, Colakovski is pleased to get a full pre-season under his belt. Four weeks in, he’s feeling the best he’s been for a while and admitted the work they’ve done thus far has been full on but enjoyable.
Pre-season’s been intense with a lot of gym, Pilates, football and running/conditioning sessions. We haven’t had many days off which is expected at this time of year where we’re trying to build up as much strength and fitness as we can.
The Glory will have their work cut out for them in the early part of the new A-League season, with seven out of their first ten games on the road before a flurry of matches at HBF Park to finish off the campaign.
Although he isn’t the biggest fan of the lack of home fixtures between October and December, Colakovski said it won’t be an excuse as the team aims to begin the season on the front foot.
“We need to make sure we start strong and build a bit of momentum because last year that’s what we lacked.”
A versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the front line, Colakovski has weapons to deploy wherever he is utilised and enjoys the different aspects of those roles.
“I’ve got attributes where I feel I can find the back of the net and play up top”, he said. “Saying that, traditionally I’ve been a winger. I love whipping balls in, getting on the ball, dribbling and setting up players almost as much as scoring.”
When asked about which he prefers, the answer was centred around a team-first mentality rather than individual desire.
“Left wing, right wing, striker, number 10, I don’t mind. If Griff wants me to put me at left back randomly, I’d put my hand up, do a job and not complain. I don’t mind where as long as it’s best for the team. As long as we win I don’t care where I play.”
Colakovski announced his re-signing on social media with a unique video with the crew from the Suited & Booted football podcast. When it came to making the call, it was an easy one to stay in Perth.
“I loved my time here in my first stint even after a hard first year. I fell in love with the city and with the club,” he said.
“What meant a lot to me is the way the fans had my back after the first season which was difficult. When people show me that respect and love I want to do everything I can to repay that faith.
“Like I said, I love the club, the fans and the history behind it. It was a no-brainer.”
All images courtesy of Tom McCarthy.
