Aloisi defied critics – and betting odds – to transform Western United

“Not even tonight were they tipping us – $5 [the betting agencies] were giving us,” said John Aloisi. “If I could bet – I’m not a betting man, but if I could bet – I would’ve put so much money on that. They must have lost a shitload of money on that.”

Had Aloisi had a bet, he may well have been one of the only souls to wager that Western United would win the A-League Men’s grand final. Most did not think it feasible they would make it there in the first place. And, after seeing off defending champions Melbourne City 2-0, the figure with the biggest right to feel vindicated is the club’s head coach.

Less than a year ago, Aloisi could not get a job. In the domestic league he was effectively persona non grata, having applied for basically every available role in the three years since he left Brisbane Roar and been overlooked every time.

“Did I think I was going to get another job in Australia? I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t,” he said last week. “On a personal level I’m just grateful the club gave me this opportunity, because it was three years that I hadn’t coached. I knew that if I did get the opportunity again I would make something of it.”

Overall reviews of Aloisi’s managerial career has been mixed, but the general theme of this season’s exploits has been explicit: redemption. Sacked by Melbourne Heart. Strike one. A not-so-nice departure from the Roar. Strike two. A title with Western United. Clean hit.

Reality is rarely that simplistic, and Aloisi’s trajectory – with its highs and lows and near-misses – appears from the outside as one more resembling development and learnings along the way.

The Heart was a tough place to start an education in the dugout, with little support and even less resources during the days