Jordan Lauton will be dropping jaws in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men for two more seasons after signing a contract extension at Western United.
The 21-year-old midfielder broke the internet with an outrageous bicycle kick in the 95th minute to beat Perth Glory at the beginning of January.
That was not Lauton’s only piece of late heroism this season with a sublime assist against Sydney FC in December setting up Michael Ruhs for another dramatic win.
In total, Lauton has made seven appearances this season after making his debut against Sydney last campaign. His impact off the bench in each game has shown with Lauton boasting a 75% win rate, the best of any player in the Club’s history to have played more than one game.
His rapid rise to stardom has been the product of a number of years of hard work and dedication in the Western United Academy – in 2022 he was named the Senior Academy Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, while last year he took out the Club Champion award.
After committing to another two years at Ironbark Fields, Lauton said he is exactly where he wants to be and is looking forward to giving even more to the Green and Black.
“It’s unbelievable. Coming from the West, from Ballarat – it’s just unreal and I haven’t really processed it yet,” he said.
“I’m so grateful – from the boss, Diogo and Dura, just giving me that chance to show what I have to offer for the team. Obviously, the sacrifice from myself and also to my parents, just supporting me every step of the way off the pitch.
“I’m buzzing, coming down here every week and being in the squad just gets me going. It’s so exciting to be playing in front of such passionate supporters. Hopefully there’s a couple more enjoyable years to come.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Lauton’s rise to prominence in the first team set the perfect example for future generations of Western United players.
“Jordy embodies everything that we preach in our Academy pathway – hard work, strong personal values, persistence and a readiness to take your opportunity when it comes,” he said.
“It has been extremely pleasing to see how Jordy has adapted in the first team after a number of years in the Academy and he has earned every chance he has received.
“That bicycle kick will live in our Club history forever but there is still plenty more to come. We are delighted to extend Jordy for two more seasons and look forward to watching his continued development at Ironbark Fields.”
As John Aloisi’s men continue to compete towards the top of the Isuzu UTE A-League this season, the squad is already in a healthy position for 2025/26 with 22 players committed to the journey in the West.
