Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Getty Images

Olympic FC have confirmed the departure of Jake McLean and Reuben Way as the pair pursue opportunities in the PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria next year.

The duo combined for 37 goals in all competitions this season as Olympic FC recorded a second straight PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Grand Final appearance and produced a stunning run to the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 16.

Both players have accepted offers from top-tier Melbourne clubs as they continue to chase professional aspirations.

Way will ply his trade with Heidelberg United next season, while McLean will head to Oakleigh Cannons.

Way explained that he had long sought to challenge himself in the cut-throat Victorian top flight.

“Ever since I’ve been involved in senior football I’ve wanted to play a couple of seasons in Melbourne,” he said.

“This opportunity arose and having finished university I don’t really have any ties to Brisbane anymore."

“They’ve put me on a good pay packet and said ‘we want you down here’,” Way added.

The explosive attacker now has his sights on winning an A-League contract, having recently trialled with Brisbane Roar.

“I can’t see myself being at the end of my career having not played an A-League game,” the former Gold Coast United Youth player said.

“I finished uni and I’ve been using my degree so I guess you could say the backup is there, but at the same time you always want to play at the best level.”

McLean echoed Way’s sentiments, hoping his expected signing for NPL Victoria runners-up Cannons will provide a fresh test.

“It’s more of an opportunity to advance my career further with a better challenge week-in, week-out,” McLean said.

“Miron Bleiberg is coaching there and I spoke to the football manager and it seems like they’re going in a good direction with a lot of good players.”

The 21-year-old grabbed national headlines this year with three goals in two Westfield FFA Cup matches and wants to use that platform to earn a professional contract.

“Hopefully I’ll be one of the better players there and I’ll work as hard as I can to make sure that happens and that I get noticed (by a professional club),” McLean concluded.

Olympic FC posted the following statement on their webstite, “Olympic FC thanks Jake and Reuben for their contributions to the club and wishes them luck with their careers ahead.”