Western United coach Mark Rudan says the A-League newcomers are in a good position as they prepare for their first season.
The expansion club has signed a combination of experienced internationals and developing young players and Rudan said he was happy with how his squad was coming together.
“The atmosphere and the vibe around the place is good – we’ve created a pretty strong environment, a challenging environment,” Rudan said.
“We want to get them out of their comfort zone – that’s how I work. We want players who are going to buy in and they’re buying in, their attitude has been first class.”
Western United have won three pre-season matches against Victorian sides Caroline Springs George Cross, Preston Lions and North Geelong Warriors and will face A-League opponents Sydney FC and Adelaide United later this month.
“Three games, three clean sheets – that’s a big positive as far as we’re concerned. We’re creating some goal scoring opportunities as well which is always a positive and that’s how we like to play,” Rudan said.
“But I think the players have to understand a bit more about the style. And we’ll get there – it takes a long time, you might not see that until the second half of the season.”
Former Socceroo Scott McDonald got off the mark for his new club in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over North Geelong Warriors and Rudan said it was an important confidence booster for the striker.
“He’s a great pro, Scotty Mac, and he’s good around the place as well but we really wanted him to get that monkey off his back as well for him,” Rudan said.
“Getting that goal is always great for a striker and he’d be the first to admit that and hopefully it gives him that confidence as well that all strikers need.”
The A-League newcomers will split their home games between Geelong and Ballarat this season and Rudan said the club needed to work to build a presence in Victoria’s west.
“It’s our job to get out there in the community and really sell our message and show who we are and what we’re about and allow our identity to come through as well,” Rudan said.
“It’s a work in progress but … we’re always building and we’re looking to improve and grow as a football club.”
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
western united could finish as high 5 postion?
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
The site of Western United's yet to be built stadium I think makes sense, I'm not certain if Geelong has a large enough fan base in the interim however. And because of Geelong's AFL commitments they won't be able to play at Kardinia Park once the AFL season starts thus the matches to be played in Ballarat. Maybe instead of Western United they should be named Victoria Country instead?
Johan
Guest
This new club is going to struggle big style to attract a committed long term fanbase. There is no appetite for this third club in Melbourne and certainly not in western Victoria. I make these comments as an expert on matters pertaining to association football and as a Dutch Australian Aristocrat.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Ballarat? Are there enough fans to support the club when they play in Ballarat? If nothing else, it will be a novelty, the first professional club there so that could attract some fans who previously were not big supporters of association football.