Western United striker Scott McDonald is home and ready to give back to the footballing community that has engendered a successful career spanning over two decades.
McDonald returned to his hometown of Melbourne in May after pledging his signature for Mark Rudan’s Hyundai A-League newcomers.
The experienced Australian international, who turns 36 in August, has spent most of his career in Britain after debuting in the National Soccer League as a 15-year-old and moving to Premier League club Southampton in 2002.
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He enjoyed tremendous success in Britain – most notably for Scottish Premiership giants Celtic – but now the veteran striker is ready for a new challenge.
“It's been a long time,” McDonald told the club’s website. “It's fantastic to be home, back to where it all began for me.
“To come back and give something back to the community as well in Melbourne, I'm really looking forward to getting started and being part of this huge challenge ahead for the coming season.”
McGree targets double figures
Riley McGree is aiming to reach double figures this season for Adelaide United.
The 20-year-old has developed a reputation for scoring special goals over the course of his 56-match Hyundai A-League career.
And after returning to hometown club Adelaide to much fanfare earlier in the month, the experienced Australian youth international has wasted little time in setting a target for the upcoming season.
“I’ve told myself I kind of want to get ten goals this season and assist a few as well,” he told Adelaide’s official website.
McGree - who netted seven goals on loan at Melbourne City from Club Brugge last season - added that new Adelaide boss Gertjan Verbeek plans to deploy the Gawler-born product in an attacking role with licence to roam in his new-look Reds team.
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“He’s (Verbeek) hinted to me that he wants me getting into the box as well when the ball is in a crossing opportunity to get on the end of it and score myself,” McGree continued.
“I’m pretty happy that I have the role to not only hopefully set some up but to also score some myself.”
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