Sports

‘I Feel Like a Lot of People Don’t Think About That… It’s the Strongest Tool in Football’ – Dylan Pierias shares the keys to his stellar form at Adelaide United.

Published

2 weeks ago

January 18, 2025

Dylan Pierias is thriving at Adelaide United, and his new lease on life is deeply tied to personal growth off the pitch.

The versatile Red sat down with aleagues.com.au to share the keys to his stellar form and the invaluable lessons he’s learned since stepping into the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Perspective changes everything, especially as a parent.

For new father Dylan Pierias, the birth of his daughter, Ariette, has provided clarity and balance.

“Whether I have a tough day, day of training or even a not-so-good game, I know that at the end of the day, it’s just a game, and I’ve got my daughter who I absolutely adore,” Pierias said ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster Original Rivalry against Melbourne Victory.

“I think it’s definitely helped my performances. It’s taken away a lot of unnecessary thinking, unnecessary stress, and irrational thoughts about football.”

Pierias emphasized how freeing it is to focus on football without letting the sport consume him.

“When I’m at training, I’m 100% focused and excited to train.”

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The results are clear. Since joining Adelaide from Western Sydney Wanderers, Pierias has been a revelation, stepping into a full-back role in the absence of injured teammate Panashe Madanha.

Pierias’ transition to this position is a return to his roots. Initially a No. 10 in his junior years, he shifted to full-back as a teenager, modeling his game after Gareth Bale.

“I had a similar style to him,” Pierias said. “He was really direct, touch past the player, and run with his pace. When I was in my teenage years to 20, I was trying to base my game around Gareth Bale.”

At Adelaide, Pierias has posted impressive numbers this season, leading his teammates in open-play crosses (56) and ranking highly in several other key metrics, including chances created (13), assists (2), and interceptions (15).

The secret? Consistent game time.

Pierias has already started 11 matches this term—more than his entire 2023-24 season with the Wanderers. A flawless pre-season set the tone, marking the first time he played every fixture leading into a campaign.

“Carl [Veart] has really put his trust and faith in me,” Pierias said. “When you have that trust from a coach, you tend to play a bit more freely.

“You can really focus on trying to perform at your best and do all the right things. Sometimes when you’re in and out, you tend to worry about, ‘What does the coach think of me?’ or ‘What’s the line-up going to be this week?’

“This season, that hasn’t been too much of a stress for me.”

Pierias believes the mental side of football often goes unnoticed but is critical for success.

“It’s one of the hardest things in football when things aren’t going your way, or you’re not in the starting XI,” Pierias admitted. “It’s really hard to keep your head at the same level as if you were starting and to maintain consistency in training and hard work.

“Trying to keep a positive mindset is probably one of the hardest things to do. I’ve been in those positions myself, and it’s tough not to put yourself under too much pressure.”

Pierias credited his rise to experience and working with a sports psychologist, something he considers essential.

“Your brain is a muscle, just like anything else, and it’s probably the strongest tool in football,” Pierias said. “I feel like a lot of people don’t think about that part, but your mentality is very, very important.”

Pierias’ form could attract attention from Subway Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic, who has shown a willingness to reward A-League standouts with international call-ups.

“I would absolutely love to play for the Socceroos one day,” said Pierias, who represented Australia at the 2020 Olympics. “That would be an ultimate dream of mine.

“But if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m just focused on doing my best for Adelaide right now.”

A passionate advocate for the Isuzu UTE A-League, Pierias cherishes the competition that helped shape his career.

“I’ve always been a fan of the A-League before I became a professional footballer,” said Pierias, a former Melbourne Victory member.

“It’s one thing I struggle with—people that don’t enjoy watching the A-League. I think they don’t give it a chance or support their country’s league.

“The A-League is actually crazy sometimes. Anyone can beat anyone, and that’s the exciting part.”

For Pierias, the league’s unpredictability and quality make it a standout competition.

“Some people don’t realize the quality is very good. I’ve spoken to players who’ve played overseas, and they reckon the A-League is better than some leagues abroad.”

Pierias’ journey—from promising teenager to one of the league’s most reliable performers—is a testament to the power of belief, balance, and the right mindset.