Tara Murray
While Western United’s core has returned there are a few new faces around the squad, keen to make their mark.
Whether they’re at the end of their career’s like James Troisi or the start like Jake Najdovski they’ve all got the same goal in the end.
Troisi has played all over the world and pulled on the green and gold for the Socceroos. He said when the knock at the door came from United, he was excited.
“The biggest pull to me was the ambitions of the club and the way they operate,” he said.
“I’m still very ambitious and the club is ambitious to have that continued success which is what I want to do.
“I knew quite a few people in and around the club and the way they operate.
“It just shows on the pitch. There’s a reason for club’s being successful, the way they operate and the way they run themselves is very good.
“They’re a championship winning club and I want to be involved in that and help them grow.
Troisi is no stranger to Melbourne, having had two stints with Melbourne Victory.
He said United had made him feel right at home.
“It’s a fantastic environment, it’s one of the biggest things that sticks out to me, the coaching staff, and the staff around the club, it’s a very family orientated club.
“It’s easy to fit in.”
For Troisi, it’s the first time he has had the opportunity to work under John Aloisi. The two though go way back on the field.
“I’ve known [coach] John [Aloisi], but not too well,” he said. “Towards the end of his career and the early stages of my career with the national team I got to be involved with him.”
He said they had tweaked a few things from last year, but not too much had changed.
“When you get a bit older you still need to bring what you bring as a footballer and as a person,” he said.
“I bring that experience and help the youngsters on the pitch. So whatever I can do to help. If I’m successful personally, the club will be successful, so I’ll help the club as much as I can.”
One of those players that is taking in everything the veterans like Troisi is saying is Najdovski.
The 17-year-old has been part of the club academy squad and had been playing in the club’s National Premier League side.
In July, he put pen to paper on a two-year scholarship deal, becoming part of the club’s A-League program.
Najdovski said his first pre-season as part of the A-League side had been an eye-opener. He had taken a little while to adjust to the intensity.
“Obviously it’s been very tough, but I couldn’t ask for a better group of boys,” he said.
“They’ve all been supportive and welcoming as soon as I come in. I’m working as hard as I can.
“The intensity of the training I feel like is very different from the NPL where I came from.
“We have the same structures and game plan in the NPL but it is completely different stepping up in the A-League.”
NajdovskI said playing in the A-League was something that he had been working for his whole life.
He said learning from the likes of Dylan Wenzel-Halls, Dylan Pierias and the rest of the attacking boys had been really good.
Life in the A-League caps off a good few months for Najdovski, who helped United’s NPL3 team earn promotion into NPL2 for next season.
While excited to be part of the United A-League side, Najdovski hasn’t set any big targets for this season.
He made his debut for Western United in their practice match against Adelaide United and then started last Wednesday against the Oakleigh Cannons, scoring his first goal.
“I’m just ready to do my job when I’m called to do my best every day at training,” he said.
“All the players can improve and that’s what it’s about really.”
