Ipswich footballer shares why he left Roar, his ambitious plans

“That’s the biggest thing going to this club. I’m seen as a 23-year-old who has played three seasons (in the A-League) and 67 games under my belt.’’ See why Wenzel-Halls confident about decision.

Former Western Pride and Brisbane Roar striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls is excited about his next A-League opportunity with Western United. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

AMBITIOUS former Ipswich Knights and Western Pride striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls appreciates all the support he has received signing with A-League newcomers Western United.

Heading to Melbourne tonight to join his new club, Wenzel-Halls is eagerly awaiting the next chapter of his football career after scoring 14 goals in 67 matches for Brisbane Roar.

“I want to try something new. It’s a good opportunity,’’ the Ipswich born and bred footballer said.

“I’m going to really try and kick on and make the most of what I can.

“I think Western United are going to be a big club in the future.’’

Wenzel-Halls said seeing what the Melbourne club is developing with its training facilities will be a massive boost.

“They are definitely in the future and I love that,’’ the dedicated footballer said.

“I’m just looking forward to reaching out with (Alessandro) Diamanti and (Victor) Sanchez - the players are just world class.’’

He said training and playing with such elite footballers will give him plenty of service on the field, another advantage for a speedster who loves scoring goals.

Wenzel-Halls has signed a three-year A-League contract.

“It gave me lots of security,’’ he said.

“I’m really excited because they are an ambitious club. They’re going out and getting good players.

“This year was disappointing from their point of view so that’s why they’re bringing the players in and making the changes to ultimately do better.’’

Wenzel-Halls, 23, only had a week’s break after Roar’s recent A-League elimination finals loss to Adelaide United.

He has since been running and training with former Western Pride teammate Jacob “Bulla’’ Minett and another Pride success story Alec Parsons.

The Ipswich-bred sportsman is thrilled to see another former Western Pride player Alex Parsons also kicking on with Roar in the just finished A-League season.

“He (Parsons) has come in and made the most of his opportunity and he’s done really well,’’ Wenzel-Halls said. “That’s what football is about.’’

Brisbane Roar striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls makes a break during an A-League match against Melbourne Victory this season. Picture: Franca Tigani

While he has to leave his home state, the former Silkstone State School and St Peter Claver College student appreciates his time at Roar, especially the past season where he was given considerably more game time.

“I loved every minute of playing for the Roar,’’ Wenzel-Halls said.

“It’s my boyhood club and I’ve grown up supporting them with a season ticket.

“From watching the game to playing for the club and representing the club and wearing the orange jersey and celebrating for is really special moments for my family and that.

Dylan Wenzel-Halls celebrates after scoring for Brisbane Roar against Melbourne Victory in the just completed A-League season. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“It’s a good opportunity for me to go to Melbourne - different scenery, different team, different experience and different players and I’ll really try to make the most of this move.’’

He heads south with plenty of confidence having developed his game in the A-League after displaying immense potential playing for Pride in the 2018-19 National Premier Leagues Queensland seasons.

He signed with Roar in 2018, progressing from the NPL side to the A-League.

“That’s the biggest thing going to this club,’’ he said.

“I’m seen as a 23-year-old who has played three seasons (in the A-League) and 67 games under my belt,’’ he said.

“That will be a really nice change rather than being seen as the young boy.

“It’s going to be a different sort of experience but I’m really excited.’’

Making his Melbourne move, Wenzel-Halls was encouraged by the wellwishers.

“The personal support I’ve got over the last few years has been unbelievable,’’ he said.

“Football is a funny game and along the way you get your critics. But for the most part, I’m really grateful for all the people that have supported me.

“And when I left Roar, I was sent a lot of really nice messages, really nice comments so that was really pleasing.’’

Wenzel-Halls begins his A-League pre-season with Western United on July 19.

That will be another major step for the record-breaking goal scorer who played his youth football with the Ipswich Knights before climbing up the ranks.