WA's interest in the Australia Cup is over for another year after a five-star performance from debutant Lachlan Brook guided Western Sydney Wanderers to a 6-1 win against Floreat Athena at Kingsway Reserve.
Brook picked up his first only three minutes in, converting a rebounded shot before the A-League side fired home a quick-fire double in the 20th minute.
Milos Ninkovic was at the heart of both goals after resigning for the club earlier in the week, assisting Brook’s second and then playing it through for Brandon Borrello to get in on the action.
Nicholas Ambrogio clawed a goal back for Athena at the start of the second half, but Brook secured his hat-trick for Western Sydney 77 minutes in.
The young attacker wasn’t done yet, sweetly striking one from outside the box and then steering home another in the final stages to add the final gloss for the Wanderers.
The 22-year-old became the first player in the modern era of the tournament to score five goals in an Australia Cup Final Rounds match.
In front of a crowd of over 700, Athena stuck to the task and a word of praise for young keeper Josh Hunter who pulled off some terrific saves. Floreat now turn their attention to their visit to Armadale this Saturday as they battle to stay out of the NPLWA - Men's relegation zone.
But credit to Wanderers, who not only showed their A-League quality but were extremely sharp for a team 10 weeks out from the start of their A-League campaign.
Floreat Athena FC 1 (Nick AMBROGIO 53’)
Western Sydney Wanderers FC - 6 (Lachlan BROOK 3’ 20’ 77’ 83’ 90+3’, Brandon BORRELLO 20’)