Rudan’s west side story set in Ballarat

Western United have vowed to continue their blue-collar ways as Ballarat prepares to host its first ever A-League game.

Aaron Calver of United celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Western Sydney Wanderers Picture: Getty Images

Western United have vowed to continue their blue-collar ways as Ballarat prepares to host its first ever A-League game on Saturday.

United coach Mark Rudan welcomes his former club Wellington Phoenix for the first time since his controversial exit at the end of last season, after lifting the Kiwis into a rare finals appearance.

While Melbourne Victory have won the hearts of Ballarat fans having signed local player Brandon Lauton, off the back of title-winning utility Stefan Nigro, who has since departed, Rudan said locals would be proud of the new Victorian club, which sits third.

“We’ve been very clear on our identity. We said from the get-go that we represent an area of hard working people in the west, and that extends to Ballarat,” Rudan said. “We know people haven’t had it easy and they appreciate a team that rolls its sleeves up and that’s the team that they’ll see out on the pitch.

“Playing football is important to us, but we’ll continue to fight for everything and in many ways our team epitomises the west. A bunch of big personalities who love to fight, but remain united and proud.”

United must adjust to their new home, after playing their first six home games at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium. The Phoenix clash is the first of four games scheduled for Mars Stadium, with Brisbane Roar, Western United and Melbourne City to follow.

Ballarat fans caught a glimpse of United in pre-season, albeit a heavy-legged team in the midst of a punishing pre-season.

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It’s a more dangerous United outfit that arrives in Ballarat, although the conditions will take some sting out of what otherwise looms as a tasty battle, with Rudan’s close mate Ufuk Talay presiding over an impressive and improving Phoenix outfit.

Meanwhile, Adelaide United’s star signing James Troisi says playing for his hometown club is demanding, but the pressure of fans wanting him to be consistently at his peak hasn’t fazed him.

“I try not to think about it too much but that’s what you get. I’m one of the 22 squad players, I can do my thing but I can only do so much, if I have to step up I will,’’ Troisi said.

“I played my role against Newcastle Jets, scoring the winner, and have also been there with assists, but every game is different and teams know me and they will try to mark me out of the game, which is fine.

“That creates opportunities for other players, but I don’t see the pressure that way. I’m enjoying being back in Adelaide playing in front of family and friends and I really do enjoy my personal life, but if work is a good environment, it makes it easier.”

A friendship with Reds football director Bruce Djite sealed the contract for Troisi to play for his hometown club for the first time.

Djite also revealed that Troisi’s deal was the reason why a fifth “big name” foreigner wasn’t signed after the club used its last visa spot on untried Chinese player Yongbin Chen from sister club Qingdao Red Lions.

But Adelaide coach Gertjan Verbeek also proved Troisi is not indispensable. Troisi, 31, was subbed off in the 64th minute of the 2-1 loss to Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.

Herald Sun