Jacob Tratt has only been with his new Western United teammates for three days, but he is already feeling the strength of the culture within the group.
The 27-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year deal and began training on Monday, saying the transition period has been seamless.
“It’s been so easy. Talking to a lot of the boys, that’s why they were so successful last year – culture is a massive part in success,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed the last couple of days here, the set up is unbelievable, the facilities are top class and obviously the boys are very welcoming as well.
“It’s been an easy transition and I’m looking forward to getting to know them a bit better as well.”
Tratt joins a United side that boasted one of the best defensive records in the league last season, thanks both to the personnel at the back and work of the coaching staff.
Having worked with him during his time at Perth Glory in the 2019/20 season, Tratt had high praise for the work Hayden Foxe does on the defensive side of the game.
“It’s a big credit to Foxey, obviously he’s got some quality players there and I think the detail he goes into on the defending side o fthe game allows the team to be successful in itself,” he said.
“I’m looking to working with all the boys and the coaches as well.”
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Working under John Aloisi will be a new experience, but Tratt said he has heard only good things about the Western United boss and is confident Aloisi’s tutelage will help grow his game.
“From what I’ve heard he’s a very good man manager and I think he’ll go a long way to improve me as a footballer, and get the best out of me as a player and the whole squad,” he said.
Jacob Tratt looking ahead to defending the A-League Men Championship with Western United
An A-League Men Champion himself with Sydney FC, Tratt knows what it takes to get to the top and is eager to be joining the current league Champions.
While admitting that defending a title is one of the toughest things to do in any sport, he will be looking to contribute as much as he can to help the team go back-to-back.
“For me personally, I really just want to get as much game time as I possibly can. I know there’s some very experienced players here and it will be tough, but I’ll do everything in my nature to push and to get a starting position,” he said.
“I’m honestly just looking forward to working with all the staff and the boys, and trying to defend the Championship.”
Tratt also noticed the raucous Green and Black support throughout the Finals Series and said he is excited to playing in front of the fans this season.
“I can’t wait! Obviously watching the Grand Final last year, it was good to watch and the support they gave was awesome,” he said.
“I’ll just be looking to give my best, hopefully I can help a lot and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Tratt will now look to get himself up to speed before joining in pre-season action in the upcoming weeks.
