International star Leo Lacroix and goalkeeper Jamie Young will depart Western United this off season.
The A-League club announced on Monday’s its initial changes to its men’s squad for next season.
Lacroix will depart the club after spending two seasons in Green and Black, amassing 50 appearances.
The Swiss centre-back was a key part of United’s 2021-22 championship-winning team, earning recognition in the PFA team of the season.
Also pivotal players in United’s run to the title, Jamie Young and Neil Kilkenny will depart the club at the conclusion of their contracts.
Young started all 56 league matches since he joined the club, keeping 16 clean sheets and producing a number of stunning saves along the way.
Kilkenny totalled 47 league games for United and was a key leader in midfield.
Goalkeeper Ryan Scott will depart United having been a part of the club since its inaugural season signing in November 2019.
Scott played 21 times for the Green and Black and became a fan favourite, developing a special connection with the cub’s supporter base in the stands.
After becoming part of Western United’s inaugural academy side in 2021, Ben Collins, Adisu Bayew and Ajak Deu will move on from the c;ub.
Representing the first crop of United’s academy graduates, Bayew played 25 times in the A-League and scored two goals.
The inaugural Western United under-23’s captain, Collins made two league appearances for United, while Deu has helped the Academy achieve promotion to NPL 2 Victoria this year.
Midfielders Tongo Doumbia and James Troisi will also depart Western United after spending one season in the west.
Doumbia played 20 matches and scored two goals, while Troisi made 18 appearances and provided two assists across the campaign.
The unretained players are joined by Alessandro Diamanti and Nikolai Topor-Stanley in departing the club, with the duo having announced their respective retirements previously.
