After a memorable campaign that saw the side promoted to NPL 2, Western United’s Academy celebrated with a number of players receiving recognition at the Club’s presentation night.
Anthony Frost’s Senior’s secured promotion after a stunning 6-1 win over Goulburn Valley Suns in last month’s play-off, while the Under 21’s made the finals for the first time under Vaughan Coveny.
A number of players were pivotal to that success in both teams and were recognised for outstanding showings throughout the season.
Midfielder Jordan Lauton had a superb campaign, nailing down a consistent spot in the Senior’s and impressive with his energy and quality in the middle of the pitch.
His performances caught the eye of match referees as he ranked equal fourth in the NPL 3 Player of the Season with 15 votes – just two votes off the top – and United’s staff and players also recognised his brilliance.
The No.8 won both the U23 Player of the Season and the Player’s Player of the Season, further demonstrating his influence that both the staff and his teammates identified him for his outstanding impact.
The Player’s Player of the Season was shared with Lauton’s former Ballarat City teammate Jalil Regague also being recognised.
Named United’s captain at the beginning of the season, Regague was ever present and oozed consistency, calmness and assuredness at centre-back.
His form also saw him earn a senior debut with John Aloisi’s side as he came off the bench in the Australia Cup Round of 16 against Sydney United.
In similar fashion to Lauton, James York was a standout in the Under 21’s side and picked up both Player of the Season and Player’s Player of the Season nods.
York played 17 times for the Under 21’s throughout the season and earned a call up to the Senior side on four occasions as he continued his strong development in Green and Black.
With quality and big presence in midfield, York was consistently pivotal in the middle of the pitch and was able to help United control games all season.
Two players were also recognised for outstanding goals over the 2022 campaign with a Goal of the Season award presented to one player from each team.
The Senior’s award was taken out by Charbel Shamoon. Picking up the ball from way outside the 18-yard box in United’s Round 9 clash against Ballarat City, Shamoon unleashed a thunderbolt into the top left corner.
Siamoa scored three of his 24 goals against Box Hill United in Round 15, but one in particular earned him the Under 21’s Goal of the Season as he ran onto a bouncing ball in behind before lifting a volley over the goalkeeper and into the net from outside the box.
After celebrating a spectacular season in just its second year of operation, Western United’s Academy will look ahead to an even bigger 2023 with the Senior’s set to compete in NPL 2, and the program expanding to include four new junior teams.
