The three-time AWFA Star Player with Albury Hotspurs was over the moon when son, Alec, was substituted on for the final 30 minutes of Melbourne City's clash with Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday night.

Darrel was streaming the game at home in Wooragee and hadn't realised he was on delay when his phone began to light up with congratulatory messages about Alec.

Melbourne City were reduced to 10 men when centre back Kerrin Stokes received a second yellow card and was sent from the field, with Alec his replacement.

"I was very proud and very nervous for him I must admit. I think I was probably more nervous than he was," Darrel said.

"Rob Tuksar and I went down to the game last Sunday when he was on the bench, but he obviously didn't get any minutes.

"The squad flew out to the hub on Monday and he got his opportunity last (Wednesday) night.

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"I think he acquitted himself really well under difficult circumstances."

Alec played at right centre back, which wasn't ideal as a left footer, but Darrel was impressed with the way he handled the situation.

"Any position anywhere is appreciative and I must say Melbourne City have handled him very well over the last 18 or so months he's been there," he said.

"It's funny how a young forward can go on and make 10 mistakes and nothing is said about it, but a young defender goes on and makes one mistake and social media lights up and canes them to death about how they're not good enough and that sort of stuff.

"Melbourne City have handled him very well and protected him very well, so hopefully he'll go on from here.

"He's a very hard-working kid with his feet on the ground and he's very humble.

"He's not highly-strung or a kid that needs to be managed because of his personality, he just works hard."

Darrel believes defenders are naturally more level-headed as mistakes at the back can directly impact the final result.

"Forwards get an open licence to do anything they like and they may make 20 mistakes, but if they have one scoring chance and score they're the best thing since sliced bread," he said.

"If you get a defender who makes one mistake, even though he's made two interceptions or five balls splitting the lines, it goes unnoticed.

"It's a very difficult position to be in as a young person trying to make your way, but he's handled himself really well and he's very appreciative of the opportunities they're giving him.

"I spoke to him late last (Wednesday) night when they got back to the hotel and he said he was over the moon and thankful to Melbourne City for the chance.

"He just needs to put his head down, train hard and see what happens on Sunday."

Alec could earn his first start when Melbourne City takes on Newcastle Jets in Newcastle on Sunday.