Young striker Joey Katebian has earned an A-League deal, signing with Brisbane Roar.
The 20-year-old links up with John Aloisi, who previously worked with him when both were at Melbourne Victory.
Katebian rose in profile during his tenure in the NPL Victoria and National Youth League
A Bulleen junior, he made a senior debut in 2013, also spending 2013/14 at Melbourne Heart/City’s youth side.
His maiden NPL 1 season yielded 26 goals, along with a Football Federation Victoria Golden Boot.
After joining Victory, he netted 33 goals in 2015, earning a second consecutive FFV Golden Boot, and a Player’s Player of the Year award.
The striker’s goalscoring form was rewarded with a maiden senior appearance in the FFA Cup against Rockdale City Suns.
He then made an A-League debut in Round 7, coming off the bench against Central Coast Mariners for fellow youth star George Howard.
After departing the club in mid-2016, he was trailing with Serbian Superliga side Cukaricki before returning to Australia and signing the one-year deal at the Roar.
“I was confident that I could impress the coaching staff because I like watching Brisbane play and I think the set-up suits me,” he told the club.
“The Roar like to keep the ball, create a lot of chances and they scored a lot of quality goals last season. “I’m genuinely excited to be here and the focus is now to continue to develop as a footballer and getting game-time.
“I’ve signed for the one year so I’m keen to show the club what I can do and hopefully extend that in the future.”
Brisbane Roar open their season at home against the A-League, a clash which will serve a sentimental purpose for Katebian as his new club lines up against his former home.