MACARTHUR Bulls coach Ante Milicic believes gloveman Adam Federici's experience will be invaluable as Macarthur prepares for their inaugural A-League finals campaign.
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The Huskisson talent has been a standout performer at the back in his first season on Australian shores, playing a key role in the Bulls finishing sixth in their regular campaign.
And Milicic - who previously coached Federici with the Socceroos - stressed he will again be crucial in Saturday night's elimination final against Coast Mariners.
"Adam is very important. I think with his experience, he has shown on numerous occasions what confidence he brings to the team, particularly to the backline," he said.
"One thing I will say about 'Fedders' is in the four years I was with the national team, even though he was competing with Mat Ryan and Mitch Langerak, whenever he came into camp he impressed me.
"And I'm glad that he's played in front of the Australian public, so they can fully realise what a good goalkeeper he is.
"On numerous occasions, he has pulled off some great saves for our team. And we're very fortunate to have him at this football club.
"But I think the league is also fortunate to have a player of his calibre playing week in, week out."
Milicic said the Bulls had always set a goal of playing finals in 2021.
"We always had high expectations with our football department, but also with the players that we recruited," he said.
"So we're delighted that we've made the semi-finals but, at the same time, we're just not satisfied with that.
"We've got a game against a difficult opponent but we believe we can, on the day, get over them."
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