Western United have appointed Ben Garuccio as the Isuzu UTE A-League club’s new captain ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Taking over from Josh Risdon who departed from Perth Glory, Garuccio becomes just the third captain in the club’s short history as they begin their first ever full A-Leagues campaign based out of their new home at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit.
Garuccio – a two-time All-Leagues All Star – won the 2021-22 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship with Western.
“It’s a huge honour to be appointed as captain,” said the 29-year-old, who will be aided by Japanese defender Tomoki Imai as his vice-captain heading into their Round 1 opener at Wellington Phoenix on October 20.
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“It’s an amazing opportunity to further develop my own leadership and something I’m really look forward to sharing with the team.
“It’s already opened my eyes and made me take my game to the next level, helping the players around me.
“A captain’s job is to lead the team to the results we want, and my first priority is seeing how I can help the team to be a better unit.
He added: “We’ve got a great group, and with Tomoki as vice-captain we’re hoping to see Ironbark Fields full this season. Our fans can expect attacking football with lots of exciting young players.
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Continuing to work alongside Garuccio in the leadership group will be the club’s all-time leading appearance holder Imai, who remains in his role as vice-captain from last season.
“Ben has been the consummate professional since joining our club in 2021, living and
breathing our values every day and always striving to improve everyone around him,” said Western United’s General Manager of Football, Mal Impiombato.
“His impact on the pitch has earned him a Championship medal, our Player of the Season award and A-Leagues All Stars selection over the years, but his leadership and character is of equal relevance to his footballing ability.
On Imai, he added: “Tomoki is equally well-loved by everyone at the club and across the A-Leagues. His leadership, passion and positivity has become synonymous with our Club and he has become a vital part of our DNA.
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“On behalf of everyone at Western United, I wish to congratulate Ben and Tomoki on their
appointments and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow as leaders in our
community in the West.”
John Aloisi’s side will be looking to bounce back this coming season following a difficult campaign in 2023-24 which saw them finish second-last on the ladder, four points clear of Perth Glory.
Western United kick off their 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign away to Wellington Phoenix on Sunday October 20.
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