Milan Kriletich to captain Marist St Pats
Marist St Pats has a new Premier captain, with loose forward Milan Kriletich to lead the Red Machine into the 2024 season.
Having joined Marist St Pats out of Sacred Heart College (Auckland) in 2021, a standout season for the Colts saw him force his way firmly into the Premier frame the following year. His consistency and reliability saw him make the No. 7 jersey his own in 2023.
The responsibility of leading the famous Red Machine is not lost on Milan, who celebrated his 22nd birthday with a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' at training this week.
'This year will be my fourth year at the club and third year playing in the Premier team. In this time I’ve been at the club I’ve been able to see how prestigious the club is in the Wellington area.
Through hearing about and meeting some of the legends that have played here as well as seeing all the accolades displayed in the green room, I realise what it means to be captain of the Premier team and the level of play that is expected. Being captain this year I will do my best to lead the team to success and uphold the proud history of Marist St Pats.'
We asked Milan if there is a leader he will take inspiration from as he takes on the responsibility of captain:
'A captain that inspires me has always been my Mum. I spent most Saturdays as a kid on the sidelines of my mum's netball games and watched her captain many teams throughout the years.
Mum was a fierce competitor on the court and well respected by her peers, everyone always listened to mum and she always wanted to get the best from her teammates. This competitiveness is something that was passed down to me and something I hope to bring on the field to help inspire the rest of the team, always playing hard no matter what.'
Those who have come to know Milan over the past few years will have seen those traits he admires in his mother. He is humble and respected amongst his peers for his consistency and work ethic. On last year's development tour of Sydney, Milan was known to return to his room to revisit lectures and complete assignments. He enters the fourth year of a Software Development degree this year.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Milan will lead a new look Marist St Pats side with a great mix of experience and exciting young talent.
'Every year brings changes and this year there happens to be many. We have had some real quality players come to the team during the offseason as well as younger players step up into key roles which has created a team that differs from teams I’ve been a part of in the past.
The team is a good mix of young and old and we have a chance this season to start fresh and put in place good habits early on in the year. This is exciting and I think the boys are just keen to get stuck into the first game and see what we can do. The boys are fit after a great preseason under our new trainer Joe Collins and after some promising performances at the Spillane tournament and in preseason fixtures the boys are ready to go.'
Milan will lead the Premiers into their Swindale Shield opener on Saturday against Northern United at Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua.
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