The surprise inclusion in the starting lineup for Melbourne City’s first team sheet of the season, which was released prior to their Round 1 matchup with Newcastle Jets, was the rookie goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
The 21-year-old, who had not yet played in the Isuzu UTE A-League, was selected for his debut in Newcastle ahead of Jamie Young, a 39-year-old veteran of 228 games.
After playing for a while at the Central Coast Mariners, Beach signed a three-year contract with Melbourne City FC in 2023. At the time of his signing, Michael Petrillo, Director of Football at Melbourne City FC, called Beach “one of the best young keepers in the country.” Beach is now able to call himself an A-League debutant following a clean sheet against the Jets.
After James Jeggo was sent off in the second half, City had to play with one man down for over 20 minutes in order to win all three points at Newcastle. Despite this, the rookie goalkeeper showed promise and made four saves. The decisive goal in the second minute by Marco Tilio gave City a 1-0 victory.
After the game, City head coach Aurelio Vidmar gave an explanation for starting Beach over the more seasoned Young, who played in 28 games during his 2023–24 rookie campaign.
“Beachy and James Nieuwenhuizen are two excellent young goalkeepers we have,” Vidmar remarked.
“After a number of years as second or third choice goalkeepers or as bench warmers, the kids will eventually reach a turning point. The question is, when will they finally seize their chance?
“Pre-season gave them both a chance, and today we decided to step up with Beachy, who performed admirably for us.”
Beach’s unexpected City start kept the story of the opening round of the new Isuzu UTE A-League season going. The 18-year-old goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen made his debut for the champion Central Coast Mariners on Friday night, and he rewarded head coach Mark Jackson’s faith with a clean sheet in a 0-0 tie.
Beach made an impressive start, matching Peraic-Cullen’s, and was voted Player of the Match by both City and Network 10.
When questioned about making his debut in the City starting lineup before Young, Beach was eager to emphasize the encouraging atmosphere created by the goalkeeping staff and the influence his seasoned colleague has had on his development.
Really, there isn’t much to it. Beach praised Jamie as a top keeper and gentleman.
“I constantly say that I admire him so much since he has really assisted me in developing both as a player and a person.
“All we focus about is training every day, pushing each other to be the best versions of ourselves. The coaches handle the rest. As keepers, we just go out on the training pitch every day and perform our job, pushing each other to give it our all on the weekends.