Noah Botic is set to shine on the global stage and will depart Western United at the expiration of his contract to join Austrian Bundesliga outfit Austria Vienna.
Western United will be rewarded for the significant part it has played in Botic’s training and development as a footballer.
The 23-year-old moves on after a spectacular breakout season at Ironbark Fields where he played in all 29 matches and scored 16 goals, including an historic hat-trick in the Elimination Final against Adelaide United.
It was only fitting that Botic scored in his final game for the Club against Melbourne City, his 27th goal in 72 appearances in Green and Black to make him the greatest-ever goal scorer in United’s history.
Now ready to take the next step in his career, Botic reflected on his time in the West with some pivotal memories and experiences.
“After spending the past four years at this amazing club, it is hard to say goodbye. The amount of love and kindness I have received has been through the roof, and I will miss everyone,” he said.
“The Club has meant the world to me as it was the first, and still only, professional club that I’ve played for.
“I want to thank everyone, from the background staff to the team staff and players. They’ve all had a big impact on my time at the Club and I’m truly grateful for that. But I especially want to thank the boss for giving me the opportunity to have made my debut and help me properly kick start my career.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato celebrated Botic’s success at the Club and the exciting future he has ahead of him.
“We are extremely proud of Noah for all of the hard work he has put in to developing his game and earning another dream move overseas,” he said.
“Noah is cemented in our history books forever for his achievements and the role he has played in our best-ever season in Club history. His talent on the pitch has been met with an incredible impact on our standards and culture off the pitch.
“This is also a major milestone for our Club to send a player off to a top European league. The club is proud of the role it has played to get Noah to this point in his career and we have firm beliefs that we have developed our next Socceroo.
“On behalf of everyone at our Club, I would like to thank Noah for the indelible mark he has left on Western United and wish him every success in the future. We will be watching and celebrating every achievement from afar.”
Botic will become the third Australian in the Austrian Bundesliga next season, joining Jed Drew and Jacob Italiano who play for TSV Hartberg and Grazer AK respectively.
He also joins a growing list of Australians to play for The Violets including James Holland, James Jeggo and Joey Didulica, while 19-year-old midfielder George Mihailidis is currently in the youth ranks.
Austria Vienna finished third in the league last season, just three points off champions Sturm Graz for their best league finish since the 2016/17 campaign. They also reached the semi-finals of the Austrian Cup.
Everyone at Western United wishes Noah every success in his future footballing endeavours and looks forward to watching on and supporting from afar.
