AUGUST 27, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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West in a United front
Dylan Pierias, a former local junior with Keilor Park, takes immense joy in scoring on a historic opening night for Western United.
The long line of cars snaking down City Vista Circuit before kick-off was the first sign of a grand opening night for Western United. The A-League side took to the field for its first pre-season friendly before a massive and enthusiatic crowd of 3267. It was a successful night for Western United with its historic first game ending with a hard-earned 4-0 win over state league 1 club Caroline Springs George Cross at City Vista Recreation Reserve. United chief executive officer Maurice Bisetto was overwhelmed by the crowd in attendance on a chilly Thursday night. “It was incredible, it exceeded all expectations,” Bisetto said. “To have 3000-plus here tonight when it was three degrees at one point on a cold Thursday night … I still can’t believe it to be perfectly honest.” With a 35th minute free kick from star import Alessandro Diamanti that turned into a powerfully headed goal from Valentino Yuel, Western United was on the board and on its way. Further goals to Connor Pain, Dylan Pierias and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, completed a perfect start. Coach Mark Rudan was impressed with his team’s performance. “Very early stages, but at this point in time, I’m pretty content with what I saw out there,” Rudan said. Lance Jenkinson
Inset: Two-year-old fan Santiago (top) and Western United fan Ethan cheer on during the friendly. (Pictures: Luke Hemer)
Lifeblood of the club By Tate Papworth The Caroline Springs Football Club community is rolling up its sleeves and donating blood to give thanks for a mate’s life being saved. Mitch McLean, a member of the club’s senior side, was horrifically injured in a marking contest during a June 15 match against Werribee. McLean suffered internal bleeding and had his right kidney removed after the incident. Caroline Springs Football Club vice president Matt Kropman said blood donations saved the young player’s life.
“Mitch has recovered well and has returned to work now, but during his five-day stay in hospital, Mitch was given multiple units of life-saving whole blood,” Mr Kropman said. “So we as a community really wanted to do something to give back.” Last Monday, 10 senior players from the men’s and women’s sides, along with club officials, rolled up their sleeves and donated blood. “It was a really successful night,” Mr Kropman said. “I guess part of it was to say thanks and give back, but we also wanted to attract new donors. We had seven new donors on the night and
we’ve also had a number who couldn’t make it on the night who have since donated. Mitch is also really keen to donate. He’s got to wait a few months before he’s able to.” Mr Kropman said support from other clubs had also been overwhelming. “We were playing against Werribee on the day and we’ve even had some people from them share how they’ve donated,” he said. “I gave blood myself and just a few days later I got a text saying it had been used on a patient at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, so it just shows how quickly it’s needed.” Donate: donateblood.com.au
Blood donations saved Mitch McLean’s life after he was injured during a football match. (Supplied)
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