The former Ballarat City player began preseason training with Melbourne Victory last week. He will enter his second season in the top league next year after signing with the club on a scholarship deal.

Lauton, 20, played 12 A-League games with Victory last season, enduring everything from injury, overseas travel and a coaching change, before the season was derailed by the global pandemic COVID-19.

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The highlight of his season came in round six when he was named in Victory's squad for its clash with top-end powerhouse Sydney FC.

He was later named in Victory's 26-man squad for the Asian Champions League, getting his first taste of international action.

After opening the AFC with a win over a Thailand club in February, Lauton found himself on a plane to South Korea for a clash against FC Seoul.

But his season was interrupted on March 15 when the club was forced into quarantine after its clash with Wellington in New Zealand.

The club played the remainder of its matches inside a bubble when the season recommenced earlier this year.

Ultimately, the season proved one to forget for Victory, which finished second last on the competition ladder.

Lauton played most of his junior soccer in Ballarat, playing his last three years under former Ballarat City head coach James Robinson.

He made his senior debut for Victory in 2019.