Jake Trew re-ignites his footballing career with Wollongong Olympic

Playing in the Wolves U-18 side, Trew was given his first grade debut by then-coach Jacob Timpano against Sydney FC in the FFA Cup (now Australia Cup).

Read more: Bailey completes his first season with grand final triumph

From there, his career took off. He was signed by the Western Sydney Wanderers in their academy set up where he impressed. He made the sole A-League appearance in the 2019-20 season for the Wanderers.

The talented striker then experienced the worst two years of his football career. Major injuries proved a set-back for Trew and after trying to re-ignite his career in the NPL, it didn't work out.

Enter Wollongong Olympic and Matt Bailey, who gave Trew the lifeline to get minutes back into his legs and inject life into his footballing career once more.

After signing in the middle of the season, Trew made an instant impact, scoring four goals for the side which included crucial strikes against rivals United in both the regular season and the grand final qualifier.

It's fair to say Trew played his part in helping end Olympic's 37 year title drought on Sunday at WIN Stadium. Following the match, Trew told the Mercury that it was a moment that he would thoroughly enjoy.

"It's been a good year and we've now beaten United three times this season, he said.

Read more: Pasfield considers retirement following grand final heroics

"I was really proud that we rocked up today and got the job done so I'm stoked with the win," Trew said.

He admitted that the last two years had been incredibly tough, but he felt that he had experienced a solid first season in the IPL.

"I've been out for two years prior to this season," he said.

"It was really tough mentally. To come back with about 10 games to go and finish off the season and on a personal note get some minutes in my legs but also win the league with these boys is great because they're legends.

"I'm hoping to get back into the NPL next year but we'll see what happens," he said.

Trew was signed just before the end of the mid-season transfer window with fellow teammates Harry Callahan and Joshua Alcorn. All three played a crucial role in getting the side into the grand final.

Read more: Wollongong Olympic end 37-year Illawarra Premier League grand final drought

The side were dealt a blow pre-game with both Alcorn and the side's vocal centre-half James O'Rourke both out suspended from the match.

Captain Chris Price slotted into centre-back and did not look out of place and even nabbed himself a goal.

The side were tested at the back but survived a final flurry of United attacks to win the match two goals to one over the competition's league champions.

Read more: Redemption complete: Unanderra claim District League title

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