Latest news with #LachlanBrook
RNZ News
07-08-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Former teen prodigy Lachlan Brook backs A-League youth approach
Lachlan Brook has set his sights on an Auckland FC starting spot. Photo: Supplied Auckland FC's latest signing first played in the A-League as a teenager for his hometown club and, nearly a decade on, Lachlan Brook believes a focus on youth is good for the competition. In recent season, A-League teams have turned to young players to fill squads, partly as a cost-cutting measure and partly as more young players show they deserve game-time. Years before that, Brook made his senior debut for Adelaide United as a 16-year-old, after coming through the youth system. He played 29 times and was named the club's Youth Player of the Year for the 2017/18 season. A move overseas for the winger, including a three-year deal with English Championship club Brentford before, a loan to Crew Alexandra, an A-League return with Western Sydney Wanderers and then a Major League Soccer stint with Real Salt Lake ended with mixed results. Brook is back in the A-League , chasing a place in the Socceroos squad for next year's Football World Cup and more immediately game-time. "When you're not playing games and you're living far from home, it's a big sacrifice to be away, when you're not doing what you love," the former Australia U18 and U23 representative said. "For me, being closer to home and family and stuff is going to be huge in helping me get to that stage." Lachlan Brook (right) last appeared in the A-League with Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: DEAN LEWINS Brook last played in the A-League in the 2023/24 season, but he said the biggest change he had noticed in the league since he was first involved was who was playing. "There's a lot of younger players coming through, which is obviously really good for our game. "I think a lot of clubs now are focusing on pushing through young players. Maybe five or so years ago, [they were] getting players from overseas that are maybe 33, 34 that aren't as motivated as a young player. "I think clubs are starting to realise that you're going to get more out of a young player that's motivated to do well than maybe someone older. "You're seeing more and more players that are playing young and then going overseas, which I think, for the brand of New Zealand and Australian football, that's huge... and obviously for our national teams as well, that's only going to help in getting our name out there." Brook feels "really old", despite being only 24. "Young players coming through now, I'm seeing how hard they work and the level that they are, compared to maybe what I was and some of the other boys my age were. It's crazy. "Honestly, these players are really good and, obviously, they've got a lot of support around them to get themselves better as well. I think it's a really great model for these clubs to have helping these young players go overseas." Brook joins an Auckland side that will have a few changes in their second A-League season and the newcomer has his sights on securing a starting spot. "I don't go anywhere without wanting to start, but obviously, there's really good players here and healthy competition is always good - that's something I'm definitely striving for." Coach Steve Corica said Brook would be a winger or No.10 for the team. "We want players that want to start all the time," he said. "It's good competition and a fresh face. "We don't want any complacency from any of the other boys, after what we did last year . That's well and gone now, it's a new season, new players will come into the squad and freshen up the squad, and hopefully drive the other players to more success." Corica said they were close to signing a new striker. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-08-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Football: Aussie goal-machine joins Auckand FC in A-League return
Auckland FC's Lachlan Brook Photo: Supplied Auckland FC have signed Australian winger Lachlan Brook for the upcoming A-League season with hopes he will find the back of the net regularly. Brook, who has played more than 100 professional games, arrives from Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake. The 24-year-old has previously played in England in League 2 and the A-League with Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers. "There is so much hype and noise for this team and what they have achieved - on and off the pitch," Brook said. "I have heard so much about the fans and the numbers that turn out to support us. I can't wait to get out there and show them what I am all about. To say I'm raring to go would be an understatement." Born in Gawler, South Australia, Brook came through the youth and NPL system at Adelaide United, making his senior debut in the 2017/18 season. Brook went on to make 29 appearances for the club and played a part in Adelaide's emphatic 4-0 victory in the 2019 FFA Cup (now Australia Cup) Final. He was later awarded Adelaide United Youth Player of the Year for his performances that season. In 2020, Brook signed a three-year deal with English Championship club Brentford before being loaned to Crew Alexandra. Then in League 2, he played 34 times for the Chesire club in 22/23 season. The following season saw a return to the A-League with Western Sydney Wanderers - scoring nine goals in 23 appearances. Auckland FC Head Coach Steve Corica says he is hoping for more of the same. "He's versatile, has an eye for goal and knows the league," Corica said. "He achieved some great things at Adelaide and Western Sydney Wanderers, and with more than 100 games here and abroad, he's a proven professional. It is no secret we needed to boost our attack this season, so we're looking forward to having him at Auckland." On the international stage, Brook has represented Australia at both U18 and U23 levels.
NZ Herald
05-08-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Auckland FC: A-League club set to sign Australian youth prodigy to replace Neyder Moreno
It appears Auckland FC have settled on their replacement for departed Colombian winger Neyder Moreno. The Herald understands the club are close to a deal with Australian age group international Lachlan Brook, with only final details to be completed. Sources in Australia have indicated that discussions with the 24-year-old have
