Tara Murray
Abel Walatee might have only signed his first professional contract in the A-League men’s off season, but it didn’t stop him setting his sights on playing in round one.
After making his A-League debut last season having come through the club’s academy, Walatee signed a two-year contract.
Part of the next generation of United players coming through, Walatee achieved his first goal and was named on the bench in round one.
“I wanted to start, but being in the squad was good enough for me,” he said. “It showed me that I’m up there and shows how much I have to work on for a spot in the 11.
“I’m not complaining about coming on and playing 20 minutes on the weekend, I’m happy with that.
“Im was able to contribute to the match tying goal.”
Walatee is not settled with playing round one and is keen to lock in a starting position.
It comes off a number of years of hard work to get into the position of being in an A-League side.
Walatee said earning a contract was something that he had worked really hard for.
“I’ve pretty much worked towards this,” he said. “I worked hard to get it and it was one of the best feelings ever.”
He said making his A-League debut last season had built his confidence knowing he was on the right track.
From Melbourne’s west, playing at Ironbark Stadium in front of his friends and family was pretty special for Walatee.
“It was good that they were there to support me and when I came on the pitch, screamed out my name,” he said. “It gave me so much confidence on the pitch and I was able to show them how hard I’ve been working.”
The move from the club’s academy set up and Victorian Premier League team had been what he expected.
He said the biggest thing was the tempo had been a lot quicker at training.
Being surrounded by a number of other academy players who had earned their first contracts as well, made it easier.
“It helps,”he said. “I’ve trained with them for two-three years, so still a bit like the NPL [VPL].
“There’s a few boys, mainly my age, that I’ve played with for a number of years.
It’s pretty exciting. I’m looking forward to a bright future for me and all the boys.
“Everyone is talking about us and a lot of people are expecting a lot from us, and I’m confident the boys will deliver.”
United was set to be in action on Sunday against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
It was United’s first home game of the season, as the club is fully based out of Ironbark Fields now.
“I can’t wait to be back in front of our fans at Ironbark,” Walatee said.
“We played three games there last season and got seven goals. You want to be playing in front of the fans.
“It’ll be a special day for the fans as well.”
