Western United young guns Matthew Grimaldi, Abel Walatee and Rhys Bozinovski have each earned their first-ever Olyroos selections for a pair of friendlies in Vanuatu next month.
The Green and Black trio will join their teammates at the beginning of September with matches scheduled against New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
This represents a maiden national team call-up for both Grimaldi and Walatee who each broke into the Western United first team last season.
Grimaldi scored five goals in 23 games to win the Young Player of the Season award, while Walatee made an immediate impact with a goal in just his second senior appearance.
While his two United teammates will be newcomers in the green and gold, Bozinovski will be feeling right at home in Australian colours having frequently turned out for the Young Socceroos.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato highlighted a remarkable achievement for three Western United Academy graduates to join the Olyroos camp.
“I could not be prouder in congratulating Matthew, Abel and Rhys on their first ever international call-ups at Under-23 level,” he said.
“All three players were developed in our Academy and have gone on to shine with our first team, showcasing our development pathway and our ambition in the west.
“I am equally immensely proud of all the staff and players in our youth set-up that have created an environment for our talented players to thrive in and reach the highest level.
“I wish all three gentlemen the very best of luck and look forward to watching them in action in the green and gold.”
Grimaldi, Walatee and Bozinovski will return from international duty with little over a month of pre-season remaining as Western United continues to build towards the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The first game back at Ironbark Fields will be right around the corner against Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday 20 October, with these young guns and many more looking to put on a show for the Green and Black faithful.
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