Western United goalkeeper Jamie Young will make his 150th appearance in the A-League Men competition when he occupies his place in goal against Melbourne Victory.
The 36-year-old joined Western United in the off-season having spent the entirety of his A-League Men career at Brisbane Roar prior to that.
Speaking to the Club during the week, Young said it is a source of pride for him to reach this milestone, but he won’t be resting on his laurels.
“It’s nice to reach a milestone, it’s never a bad thing. There’s maybe a hint of nostalgia, it’s nice to have had longevity and I’m pleased to achieve it with Western United,” he said.
“I’m really enjoying it at Western, enjoying what the people are doing, the culture – it’s very demanding and detailed. It’s challenged me, and you want to be in those challenging environments so I’m grateful for that.”
Young has excelled in the very early days of his Western United career, contributing heavily to a now club-record run of four wins in a row, keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories.
Across his entire A-League Men career he has impressed with his razor sharp reflexes, twice winning the Brisbane Roar Player of the Year and claiming the A-League Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in the 2017/18 season.
But even after all that, he has approached his 20th season of professional football with the same zest and passion as the first, and he is eager to keep learning every day.
“For me it’s more important to drive forward and see what’s in front, seeing what we can do this season, see how far I can develop and learn. I’m always learning from the coaches and the other players as well,” he said.
The milestone comes in a big game for the Club, with a Boxing Day clash against Melbourne Victory pitting second against third on the table and giving the Green and Black a chance for revenge after defeat in Round 1.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I hope we have many big games this season and I think we will. For me, as a footballer playing in big games, it’s exciting. They’re opportunities to go and do what you love and I’m thrilled to go and do it again,” Young said.
Young is not thinking about further milestones, only how he can better himself and continue performing for his team, something that Western United will look forward to seeing more of this season.
