Western United winger Lachlan Wales has signed a two-year contract extension with the Isuzu UTE A-League leaders.
Wales will remain at high-flying Western until at least the end of the 2023-24 season, it was announced on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old has featured in all 12 A-League Men fixtures this season, while he celebrated his 100th ALM appearance in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, a result highlighted by Ben Garuccio’s stunning ‘scorpion goal’.
“It was a pretty easy decision. With John (Aloisi) coming to the club, the culture that we’re trying to build here – you can already see what a difference it’s made on and off the pitch,” Wales said.
“He’s been massively important to me. He’s really believed in me, starting me every match. To have someone believe in you and give you confidence to express yourself every weekend is really important,” he said.
“Coming in, [with] what he’s achieved in the game, he’s definitely someone I can learn off and play my best football with. He’s really instilling a good culture, and the main thing is belief is starting to come now.”
Western head coach John Aloisi added: “Lachie was always going to be a big part of my plans here and I’ve been so pleased with what he’s given us as a team this season.
“Off the pitch, his character, his attitude, the camaraderie and banter with the boys is just as important as his talent, which is obviously plentiful.
“He’s still very young and has a lot of improvement left in him, and I can’t wait to see that improvement happen right here with us at Western United.”
