Tate Russell (born 24 August 1999) is an Australian soccer player who plays as a right back for Western United in the A-League.[1]
Career
From Wollongong, Russell began his career in 2003 with the Wollongong Olympic Junior club before joining Football NSW's Project 22 in 2008.[2] He soon joined the South Coast Wolves in 2010 and stayed with the club for four years before joining the youth ranks at Western Sydney Wanderers.[2]
Western Sydney Wanderers
Russell was part of the 2017-18 Y-League championship winning Western Sydney Wanderers Youth team. He played the full game as they beat Melbourne City Youth 3–1 in the 2018 Y-League Grand Final on 3 February 2018.[3]
Russell signed his first contract with Western Sydney Wanderers on 6 June 2018, penning a two-year scholarship deal with the club.[4] He made his professional debut for Western Sydney in their Round 11 clash with Melbourne Victory on 5 January 2019, playing the full game as the Wanderers lost 2–1 at ANZ Stadium.[5]
Russell scored his first professional goal in a Round of 16 clash against Sydney United in the 2019 FFA Cup on 28 August 2019, driving a low volley into the bottom corner for the Wanderers' fifth as they ran out 7-1 winners.[6]
In pre-season training for the 2022/23 A-League season Russell suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for the entire season. 530 days after the injury he made his return to the league in Round 1 of the 2023/24 season. Despite the injury he earned an extended 2 season contract to keep him at the Wanderers until the 2024/25 season.
International
Russell has four caps for the Australia U20 side.[7]
Personal life
Russell is an Indigenous Australian.[8]
He is the son of former Rugby league player Ian Russell.[9]
Honours
Club
Western Sydney Wanderers
References
- ^ "Tate Russell". 31 July 2017.
- ^ a b Cohen, Mitch (7 July 2016). "Son of Steelers legend making his own way". Illawarra Mercury. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
- ^ "Melbourne City U21 vs. Western Sydney W. U21 - 3 February 2018 - Soccerway".
- ^ "Wanderers secure young talent". 6 June 2018.
- ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne Victory". Soccerway.
- ^ "FFA Cup: Wanderers smash Sydney United, Mariners knock-out Fowler's Roar on penalties".
- ^ Tate Russell at Soccerway
- ^ "Tate Russell: Playing the Round Ball". 23 August 2016.
- ^ "Why the Russell family wandered from league to football". Goal.com. 10 January 2019.