| Australian Football Players catches up with our old | | | | existant in Australia.Soccer Australia has to really start |
| friend Rodrigo Palomino in a candid interview about | | | | thinking about this section in our game if we want to |
| how he was Discovered. Rodrigo Palomino is Chilean | | | | produce world players and not players that go to |
| born, played his football in Granville, NSW and was | | | | England and hang around for a few years.We need |
| spotted by a scout one Saturday in 1994 playing for | | | | players to be developed and take this country to world |
| his team. Before he knew it he had airfares waiting for | | | | cups on a regular basis not every 30yrs. |
| him at the airport. A ten day trial had been arrange by | | | | Q: If you could have your time again, would you |
| Belgium Club KSV Waregem. Having arrived late on | | | | change anything about your football career? No, |
| the Thursday night. Friday meant a training run with the | | | | because although it is just a sport, it teaches you |
| team even though he hadn't recovered from jetlag. | | | | certain lessons on life and how the other part of the |
| The following day, he played his first game against the | | | | world circulates. |
| top side fielding Belgium National players. Playing his | | | | Q: Do you think fitness is becoming more important at |
| best Rodrigo scores a goal, runs rings around the | | | | the highest level of football? Yes. It's simple - no fitness |
| opposition and proves he has the match fitness to | | | | means you wont get anywhere because of the speed |
| compete at the highest level. The contract is signed. | | | | the game is travelling these days. |
| Quite the fairy tale. Rodrigo a friend of ours agrees to | | | | Q: What advise would you give to aspiring football |
| this candid interview where we try to shed some light | | | | players? Never give up! And there is always some |
| on the subject of fairy tales and success. | | | | one watching. |
| Q: Rodrigo at 21 when you were offered the trial, | | | | Q: What do you suggest young players do, to Be |
| what where your initial thoughts? I thought that the | | | | Seen, Be Discovered? Play fair and simple and most |
| scout was joking and didn't really take him seriously. | | | | of all respect your coach. |
| Q: How did you adjust to your new surroundings? | | | | Q: You know Australian Football Players is Australia's |
| Country, Language, Team mates? It was very difficult | | | | first website devoted to promoting young, talented |
| in the begining.I just focused on performing on the field | | | | football players to clubs in Australia and abroad. What |
| and then everything fell into place. | | | | are your thoughts on what we do? I think it is a great |
| Q: You mentioned the speed at which the game was | | | | idea and gives the ordinary player with special gifts a |
| played when you arrived. Do you think much has | | | | chance to be seen and promoted.Whether you are |
| changed in football? Yes,the game is just getting faster | | | | playing at Telstra Stadium or Garside Park,Granville this |
| every year. | | | | site will give you the chance to be discovered. |
| Q: In an article we researched, your named as, | | | | Rodrigo Palomino's CV: |
| "The Conquerer" was this due to your | | | | 1993 Granville (NSW 1st Division) |
| scoring prowess? Yes. | | | | 1994 Belmore Hercules (NSW 1st Division) |
| Rodrigo Palomino pictured here in the green and white. | | | | 1995 KSV Waregem (Belgium) |
| Q: You played for numerous clubs abroad. Which was | | | | 1996 RC Tournai (Belgium) |
| the best club in terms of your success? Royal Francs | | | | 1998/90 Royal Racing Club Touraisien (Belgium) |
| Borain was my most successful club.I spent 4yrs there | | | | 2000/04 Francs Borains (Belgium) |
| and leading the goal scoring department every year. | | | | Rodrigo thank you for your time, we hope our readers |
| Q: What are your thoughts about Football in Australia? | | | | find this article helpful and informative. We heard you |
| Specifically Youth Development? Something has to be | | | | are coaching junior football and your son Coby is quite |
| done about our youth.Youth development is non | | | | the rising star. We wish you and Coby every success. |