Young striker Joey Katebian has become the next player to join the Victory exodus, announcing his departure via social media on Monday.
The move comes after a two-year stint with the club, with whom he made one senior A-League appearance.
A Bulleen junior for over a decade, Katebian made a senior debut in 2013 under the tutelage of John Waddell, 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.
Katebian’s form caught the attention of Melbourne Victory, who signed him to their NPL/NYL side.
His reputation continued to soar with 33 goals in 2015, earning the youngster the captaincy following Thomas Deng’s elevation to the senior team, 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.
FULL NPL VICTORIA MID-SEASON TRANSFER LIST
He then made an A-League debut in Round 7, coming off the bench against Central Coast Mariners for fellow youth star George Howard.
The 20-year-old leaves Victory with 42 goals in 41 games in the NPL, including eight this season in the top flight, sitting just two off top scorer Kenny Athiu.
His departure leaves the club with a hole up front, and he follows Kieran Dover and Damien Miskulin to leave mid-season in 2016.
Speculation mounts as to his next destination, with a trial in Europe a possibility, along with a stint at another NPL club, including the likes of former club Bulleen Lions who would benefit from his ability in the front third.