Tara Murray
One of Western United’s brightest stars Ben Collins has re-signed for the next A-League men’s season.
Collins who came through United’s academy earned a scholarship job with United for the 2021-22 season.
A regular member of the matchday squad, the defender made his A-League debut in the final match of the regular season against Adelaide United.
Collins said he can’t wait to continue his journey after an enjoyable first season.
“I absolutely loved my first season with the senior team, which was obviously capped off with a championship win,” he said.
“I’m really excited to sign on and keep working to build something really special with this group.
“As a young defender, I am really lucky to work with some of the best defenders in the league in Leo (Lacroix), Nikolai (Topor-Stanley) and Tomoki (Imai), as well as (assistant coach) Hayden Foxe.
“This club means a lot to me and I’m looking forward to continuing my development with Western United.”
United general manager of football Mal Impiombato said he was delighted to see one of the clubs’ bright young prospects commit to the green and black.
“We are excited to have Ben sign an extension with Western United,” he said.
“We were delighted with his first season with the first team. He possesses a tremendous work ethic, great character and a willingness to improve and learn.”
Meanwhile, in the National Premier League competition, Western United had a 2-1 win against Box Hill United.
Western United opened the scoring through Abel Walatee in the ninth minute and doubled the lead in the 16th when Walatee scored his second.
Box Hill got one back in the 31st minute. Neither side was able to score in the second half, giving Western United the 2-1 win.
Western United remain in third spot.
In NPL2, Werribee City lost 2-1 to the Manningham Blues.
The result leaves Werribee sitting in 11th spot, only ahead of Goulburn Valley Suns who are yet to win a match.
In the FV competition, Hoppers Crossing missed out against Moreland United in state league 2 north-west.
Scores were locked at 1-1 after Moreland levelled the scores after a Djordje Aleksic scored for the Reds in the third minute.
Moreland scored twice in the second half to get the 3-1. The Reds sit sixth after 15 rounds.
In state league 3 west, Point Cook had a 1-1 draw with the Heidelberg Eagles, while in state league 4 west, Truganina Hornets lost to Gisborne.
In state league 5, Wyndham lost to Maidstone United, 6-3, while West Point lost to Barwon, 3-1.
