PRIDE of the west Nick Kalmar came on as a second-half substitute in Melbourne Heart's history-making friendly with English Premier League powerhouse Everton at Etihad Stadium last Wednesday night.
Slotting into the defensive midfield post in place of former Socceroo Josip Skoko, the exciting 22-year-old appeared safe and sound amid exclusive company in the Heart's 2-0 loss.
The former Melbourne Knights junior did no harm to his chances of a berth in the Heart's inaugural team.
The Heart will debut in the Hyundai A-League in the season opener with foundation club Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on August 5.
Kalmar pinched himself when he ran on to find the likes of Tim Cahill, Lous Saha and Leon Osman.
"It was fantastic to be a part of it," he said. "To see these guys on TV and to actually be running around with them is just amazing. It was good to see all the supporters come out in our first real big game."
Kalmar was discovered by Altona East Phoenix as a 17-year-old.
The Keilor Downs product impressed in the state leagues and had short stints with Preston Lions, St Albans Saints and Sunshine Georgies.
His arrival in Victorian soccer was announced when he was approached by a star-studded Altona Magic.
He would score the most important goal of his career to date in the 65th minute of the 2009 grand final against Dandenong Thunder.
It was vital because the Magic were down 1-0 at the time and it forced extra time and eventually penalties.
The Magic went on to win 5-4 on penalties to claim back-to-back titles.
Kalmar moved on to the Oakleigh Cannons where he is still listed.
Once his contract finishes in the VPL, he will be a full-fledged Heart midfielder. "This is my first professional contract," he said.
"I can't get the smile off my face, to be honest."
Kalmar has fitted into the Heart camp seamlessly.
He said the squad had a "good blend" of youth and experience.
The seasoned campaigners such as captain Simon Colosimo and former Socceroo John Aloisi have helped the younger members of the team settle in.
"They're fantastic, always asking how I'm going and helping me through," Kalmar said.
"The younger and middle-aged guys really look up to them.
"It's slowly starting to jell and we're all getting to know one another."
Kalmar has shown versatility to play in either an attacking or defensive midfield role in his five-year senior career in the VPL.
He has not put any needless expectations on himself ahead of the A-League season.
"My goals for this season would be just to get a run first and progress from there.
"I'm just taking everything as it comes and enjoying the experience."
The Heart is home to a number of players who have either been produced or plied their trade in the western suburbs, including Aziz Behich (Green Gully), Kliment Taseski (Altona Magic) and Kamal Ibrahim (Altona East).
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