For the very first time, Western United are Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Finalists.
Coming into Saturday night’s semi-final second leg trailing Melbourne Victory 1-0, a second-half flurry saw Western overrun Victory and win 4-1 on the night, and 4-2 on aggregate.
Western will now face either Melbourne City or Adelaide United in the Grand Final.
REPORT: MELBOURNE VICTORY 1-4 WESTERN UNITED
“Are we seeing the real emergence now of the third force in Victoria?” Asked Network 10 commentator Simon Hill at the full-time whistle.
“It seems that way!”
Featured image credit: Rachel Bach, @bythewhiteline
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Two semi-final legs, two penalty no-calls: The key decisions that left both sides wanting more
It was a Semi-Final tie which had it all – including two moments of controversy.
In the first leg it was Western United feeling aggrieved, when Lachie Wales was bundled over by Jason Davidson in the penalty area:
Network 10 football analyst Andy Harper was perplexed by the decision at the time: “That is more of a penalty every time I see it.
“Match officials look at that and blame the attacking player for putting themselves in that position and trying to win the free-kick. It’s a redundant argument, because Lachie Wales had front position.
“He’s entitled to stop and prop and control the ball, which is very, very difficult when someone pushes you in the back to do that.”
Come Saturday night it was Victory’s turn to plead for a penalty, when Roderick Miranda was collected in the box by Josh Risdon:
This time it was Network 10’s Luke Wilkshire voicing his bewilderment at referee Alex King’s decision to review the incident with the assistance of VAR, and still elect not to give a penalty.
“It is what it is, and we can’t change it – but the decisions are just awful, simple as that.”
Speaking to the press post-match was Victory head coach Tony Popovic, who said the right decision was obvious: “In the first half there’s a clear penalty there. When the ref goes to look at that, how he doesn’t give it is hard to believe.”
‘Outstanding’ Prijović on game-breaking display: ‘Well, that’s my job’
Two goals, one assist, and one almighty impact in Western United’s historic semi-final triumph.
Serbian striker Aleksandar Prijović played his role to perfection at AAMI Park on Saturday night, popping up in the big moments to break the tie apart, stun Victory and send his side to the grand final.
As the clock ticked down to full-time, Network 10 co-commentator Daniel McBreen was singing his praises.
“Prijovic: give him opportunities, and he will give you goals,” McBreen said.
“Two chances, two fantastic balls, two goals which really set the tempo. And the assist for the game-breaker.
“It’s been an absolutely outstanding display from that man.”
It was all in a day’s work for Prijović.
“Well, that’s my job,” he told KEEPUP, on the pitch in the aftermath of the final whistle.
“But I would say the whole team did a great job, the hard work and in the end, this is just a confirmation that I finish the chances.
“It’s a nice experience. Nice to see the club growing, and going in the right direction. Hopefully it can continue to grow in that way.”
Prijović added: “Definitely (a great feeling). We’ve worked hard, and now we deserve to get rewarded for the whole year.
“It’s a nice game to play of course. Going to a Grand Final is nice, now we just have to confirm the next game the whole years of hard work. We have to play our game and now worry about (the opposition).”
Aloisi’s epic reaction to Wenzel-Halls sealer
It was the cathartic moment of release and unbridled joy, as Dylan Wenzel Halls tucked Western’s fourth of the night away to put Western’s semi-final triumph beyond doubt.
Head coach John Aloisi was overcome with emotions, and swamped by his players and coaching staff. The scenes of celebration will be forever etched into the story of this young club on what is the biggest night in Western’s brief history to date.
Wales: Triumphing against the odds with ’20,000 booing you’
Down 1-0 to Melbourne Victory after hosting the first leg of the tie, Western returned to AAMI Park with their backs to the wall.
The odds were stacked in Victory’s favour, a team who was yet to taste defeat against Western all season.
The visitors went on to win 4-1 in a statement result made all the more special for goalscorer Lachie Wales by what was at stake, and the scene of his side’s incredible win.
“It’s unreal,” Wales told Network 10 post-match.
“We’ve worked so hard all year, we had a little dip at the finish of the season and couldn’t quite get the (Premiers Plate). It’s a credit to these lads and the coaching staff, we were up against it tonight, 20,000 booing you, and we’ve done it.”
