Tara Murray
Western United has got its man, with striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls making the move down to Melbourne to continue his A-League career.
After speaking to Wenzel-Halls 12 months ago about joining the club from Brisbane Roar, the club has secured his signature for the next three seasons.
Wenzel-Halls played 67 games across three seasons at the Roar, scoring 14 goals including seven last season.
He said he was excited by the new challenge ahead of him.
“It’s a really exciting and aspiring club,” he said.
“There are a lot of good players at the club. The foundations are there with the board and staff.
“The biggest thing for me was how ambitious the club is and that they wanted me to be part of it.”
Wenzel-Halls said the fact that the club had been keen on him for more than 12 months was a major factor in his decision.
He said he saw himself fitting in well with the United squad.
“Western United has had interest in me for a while, they valued me and made me feel like they wanted me to be a part of their team,” he said.
“They valued me when I was going well and scoring goals and they were still interested in me in the back half of the season when I wasn’t scoring goals.
“They’ve got world class players like [Alessandro] Diamanti and [Víctor] Sánchez
“I think I’ll benefit from the service I get from them and I think it will help me improve my game.”
Wenzel-Halls and his girlfriend have already made the move to Melbourne, settling in Yarraville having done 14 days quarantine.
He said he loves Melbourne and is looking forward to exploring it once the lockdown ends.
Wenzel-Halls has been able to head to the club and get pre-season under way.
“Training by yourself is not fun,” he said. “I feel for everyone in Melbourne who have been through all the lockdowns.
“It was a really welcoming reception [at the club]. The boys in the team have gotten around me and I’m going into a team with nice guys and nice footballers.”
Wenzel-Halls already has experience of working with new coach John Alosi having worked together at the Roar.
He said Aloisi brings a lot of professionalism and a clear idea of how to play.
“He was one of the best strikers and I’m excited to get to work with him.”
Wenzel-Halls said he was expecting the club to have some success.
“We’ve got a good team, a lot of good players and looking to play a good brand and style of football
“I’m expecting to do well and have success. I think that is achievable next season.”
United head of A-League operations Mal Impiombato said club was delighted to sign Wenzel-Halls.
“He is an exciting young talent with great experience in the A-League and he possesses the attributes and characteristics that align with our club values.”
