In the humble surroundings of Fraser Rise in western Melbourne, the newest A-League club Western United FC will walk out as a team in front of their fans for the historic first time.

This will be an iconic moment for the club and league. 

And for the fans and the broader western Melbourne community, one that will be remembered in decades to come.

Here’s why you shouldn’t miss this historic night with the fans and stars of the newest club in the A-League.

As a supporter, it’s a once-only chance to etch yourself into local football and Western United FC history.

Those words, ‘I was there the night Western United played its first-ever game’, are something you can retell to family and friends for the rest of your life.

And if you want to know how it feels, just ask Western Sydney Wanderers fans.

They will regale you about a chilly July 25 night in 2012, one that remains a special marker in the red and blacks’ history.

Those who were at Cook Park St Marys that night, wear it as a badge of honor.

The then-new A-League played their first-ever game, a friendly in front of around 3-4000 fans against local NPL side Nepean FC.

Big or small club, the first time a team walks out together is special.

And unlike Wanderers, Western United have done most of their transfer business before they stride onto the pitch this Thursday night at 7 pm against Caroline Springs George Cross. 

For the supporters, what they’ll see is a very, very strong United squad.

Finally, after all the talk online and in the media, they’ll have a chance to rate how the team is tracking.

Panagiotis Kone and friends

Who’ll score the historic first-ever goal?

What formation will coach Mark Rudan employ?

How are the team gelling after their intense Gold Coast training camp?

And what will that fresh kit look like when the Western United boys line up.

So many tantalizing questions. But there’s much more to this particular night. Such as the first real look in match conditions of some top-shelf international stars.

Stars who’ve graced Serie A and FIFA World Cups, such as charismatic marquee Panagiotis Kone - the club’s very first signing - who is set for Thursday night’s fixture.

The charismatic Greek has waited long enough, and cannot wait to start playing for the green and black.

Kone is an exciting attacking midfielder with a penchant for spectacular goals, a Greek international and former World Cup player.

Right next to Kone on the pitch is an old mate from his European days, an Italian international with a huge reputation: Alessandro Diamanti, the former West Ham, Serie A, and Guangzhou Evergrande man.

Across the A-League, you won’t find a better quality attacking threat than these two classy Euro professionals, who were excited by the chance to start afresh in western Melbourne.

Polish goalkeeper and current A-League gloveman of the year Filip Kurto and Melbourne-born Turkish international hardman Ersan Gulum round out a hugely impressive foreign contingent.

They’ll guide a young, exciting Aussie contingent including current Olyroos midfielder Seb Pasquali (remember he starred against Juventus at the MCG as a 16-year-old for Melbourne Victory?), and Socceroo World Cup right-back Josh Risdon.

And for local NPL flair, striker Valentino Yuel is a talent set to blossom at the new club.

Mark Rudan: ready for his first Western United clash as head coach

Bringing this squad together is a young, ambitious and ruthless coaching team, led by the next big star of Aussie coaching, Mark Rudan.

This Thursday, 22 August, Western United FC, the newest club in the A-League - based in Victoria’s huge western growth corridor - will play their first-ever game.

Do you really want to miss out on being part of history?

What: Western United’s first-ever match, a friendly against Caroline Springs George Cross FC 

Where: City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field | Orbis Avenue, Fraser Rise | Victoria, 3335

When: This Thursday, 22 August, 7 pm kick-off