Welcome to A-Leagues Life, where KEEPUP brings you all the latest news and goings on at your club. This is how the week is shaping up across the A-Leagues and beyond.
Okino sweeps awards
Melbourne Victory signed Kurea Okino after she made a mockery of the NPL in Victoria – and now she has the awards to show for it.
Okino took NPLW VIC by storm in her first season in Australia, scoring an incredible 31 goals in 21 regular-season matches for Boroondara Eagles.
LOVED THE WORLD CUP? Here’s how to enjoy the Liberty A-League Women incl. FREE tickets for U16’s
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE LIBERTY PASS
CLICK HERE TO BUY A LIBERTY A-LEAGUE CLUB MEMBERSHIP
The Japanese striker’s exploits not only earned the Golden Boot en route to the semi-finals, but a move to Victory in the Liberty A-League.
On Monday, the NPL Gold Medal Night was held and Okino took home four awards.
In fact, a hilarious image posted by Football Victoria shows she didn’t even have enough hands to hold her monster award haul!
She not only won the Golden Boot, but she was named the NPLW Gold Medal winner by one vote ahead of Alamein’s Sidney Allen on 27 votes.
As as well as those two honours, Okino was also crowned the Players’ Player of the Year and the NPLW Media Player of the Year.
Victory kick-off their season against Brisbane Roar on October 15.
Featured image: Football Victoria
Olyroo swaps Australia for Poland
Louis D’Arrigo has made the move from Adelaide United to Lechia Gdansk in Poland’s second tier.
The Olyroo became Adelaide’s youngest player to reach 100 games for the club last season at just 21, following his debut in March 2019.
But D’Arrigo – an Australia Cup winner with Adelaide – will test himself abroad at Lechia Gdansk, who were relegated from the top flight in 2022-23.
“We wish Louis the best as he has been a fine servant to the Club over the last three or four seasons,” said Adelaide head coach Carl Veart.
“Moves are made in football, and we wouldn’t hold anyone back from trying to reach the very top level.
“We thank Louis for his services on and off the pitch.”
D’Arrigo will link up with Lechia Gdansk next week following his Olyroos commitments.
The club are seventh through seven games this season, six points off top spot after winning three games and losing as many.
Brillante’s eye-opening message
Josh Brillante brings a wealth of experience to Western Sydney Wanderers following his arrival from Isuzu UTE A-League rivals Melbourne Victory.
The five-time Socceroo has played for Serie A club Fiorentina in Italy, as well as Empoli and Como previously. There was also a stint with Xanthi in Greece.
Those experiences have helped highlight how good Australian players have it Down Under, according to the 30-year-old.
“In Australia we’re quite fortunate. Most of the clubs operate and have great facilities,” Brillante told the Wanderers.
“Sometimes Australian players don’t quite realise, especially the young ones, how good we have it here.
“To be able to have access to our own gyms, change rooms, pitches. There’s a lot of money put into resources to help players every way possible.”
Brillante and the Wanderers are preparing for their Australia Cup quarter-final against Brisbane Roar on September 16.
