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Nicholas Bilokapic (2002) - Huddersfield Town - GK

A member of Australia’s 2019 U17 World Cup squad, Bilokapić has come along in leaps and bounds since signing for Huddersfield Town. The 6’3 stopper has become a fixture for the Terriers’ B team, has featured in a number of Town’s matchday squads in, and made a professional debut in Town’s 1-0 FA Cupset over Burnley, remaining steady under pressure. Bilokapic is an excellent shot-stopper, using his lofty frame to cover large portions of the goal and seems to have a bright future at Huddersfield Town. 

Jack Warshawsky (2004) - Western Sydney Wanderers - GK

Having made the move from Brisbane Roar to Western Sydney Wanderers, the former Joey held down his spot in goals for WSW’s NPL side and was truly excellent at times. Good with the ball at his feet, capable of acrobatic saves and confident claiming the ball from crosses, Warshawsky looks a fairly complete package as a young goalkeeper. Despite still needing to bulk up physically, Warshawsky has serious potential as a goalkeeper and is one to watch in years to come. 

Adam Pavlesic (2002) - Sydney FC - GK

The young goalkeeper made his name playing for the Joeys at the 2019 U17 World Cup, scoring himself trials at various European clubs, before finally scoring himself a professional debut in 2020 in the Asian Champions League, before disaster struck with a freak injury. Despite that, Pavlesic is still only 19, and his talent endures - he is an excellent shot-stopper with good reflexes and reactions and will be looking to break into the Sydney FC first team sooner rather than later. Opportunities for young goalkeepers are scarce in Australian football, but Pavlesic warrants one. 

Cameron Cook (2001) - Perth Glory - GK

Having become the first A-League player born in Alice Springs, Cameron Cook has impressed significantly since making his A-League debut. Stepping into the void left by injury to former Liverpool stopper Brad Jones, Cook has impressed with superb shot stopping, calm and composure under pressure - currently boasting an astounding save percentage of 85%. A frequent member of Australian youth national team camps, Cook will look to secure his spot in the Glory first team, and should be watched with interest in years to come. 

Ethan Cox (2004) - Adelaide United - GK

The former Joey cemented his spot in Adelaide’s NPL team in 2021, and took the opportunity with both hands - literally. Cox was a consistent performer playing behind a fairly leaky defence, and made some excellent saves throughout the season to keep Adelaide in games, win Adelaide some and keep the scoreline down in others. Cox was unfortunate to miss an opportunity to play first-team football this season due to illness, but under the tutelage of Eugene Galeković, more are surely to come. 

Steven Hall (2005) - Adelaide United - GK

The young goalkeeper made his senior debut in incredible circumstances, going from fourth-choice goalkeeper to first-choice after a spate of injuries and illness, and did not fail to impress, keeping an excellent clean sheet against the Wellington Phoenix. The young goalkeeper is of impressive physical stature for someone of his age, is loud, and is a good shot-stopper. He will likely have to bide his time for another first team appearance, but the combination of his experience and the guidance of Eugene Galeković at Adelaide United should render him ready for his next opportunity.  

Defenders:

Joshua Rawlins (2004) - Perth Glory - RB, CB, DM

Having stood out as a 15 year old playing at the 2019 U17 World Cup, Josh Rawlins has continued to develop at Perth Glory since making his debut as a 16 year old during the Asian Champions League. Rawlins is athletic, fairly ambidextrous, capable of switching the ball on either foot, and composed in tight spaces - attributes which render him of significant potential. Playing at right-back at the moment, one wonders whether he may move at some point into midfield, a position he is certainly capable of playing and which his attributes may suit better, however, that’s not to say he is not suited to playing right back, where he put in a fantastic performance vs. Sydney FC in recent days. Regardless, playing regularly at such a young age can only spell fantastic things for Rawlins’ future, and Rawlins has a lot of potential. 

Thomas Aquilina (2001) - Western Sydney Wanderers - RB, LB

The Western Sydney academy product made his debut in the opening round of the 2020-21 season, and has gone from strength to strength since. Blessed with outstanding speed, Aquilina is excellent going forward - able to dribble easily past opponents and create chances - and is defensively solid. Armed with a Maltese passport, Aquilina has attracted European interest, understandable given his consistency in two tumultuous seasons for the Red and Black. Aquilina has continued to impress under tough circumstances, and is undoubtedly one to watch for the future, as he has significant potential. 

Alessandro Circati (2003) - Parma - CB, RB

The son of former Perth Glory and Perth SC import Gianfranco Circati, the young central defender signed for his father’s former club Parma in March 2021 where he has since cemented a spot in central defence in the club’s Primavera side. Circati is a talented centre back, he is quick in recovery, impressive on the ball - possessing good long passing range, strong in the air and with a strong defensive positional understanding. Circati has signed a professional contract at Parma and has become a fixture in Parma’s Serie B matchday squads. He certainly has a big future and is one to watch without doubt. 

Jacob Farrell (2002) - Central Coast Mariners - LB

In early 2021 Jacob Farrell had left the Mariners academy and was playing for Valentine in NPL Northern NSW. In early 2022, Jacob Farrell is the A-League’s standout left fullback. Farrell is defensively aggressive, strong in the air and calm on the ball, and carries himself with a remarkably unfazed demeanour which betrays his footballing inexperience. At times however, his inexperience is evident in his limitations on the ball and occasional lapses of concentration - yet Farrell has shown enough to be confident about his progression and development in the coming years.  

Kai Trewin (2001) - Brisbane Roar - CB, RB, LB, DM 

Having graduated in the last AIS footballing cohort, Kai Trewin has gone from strength to strength since breaking into the Brisbane Roar first team. Trewin has barely missed a minute of A-League football since winning a starting spot, and has impressed with his quality on the ball and his defensive nous - able to read the play and recover with constancy and ease. Trewin is versatile, able to play at centre back, in midfield and on both sides of defence, and has looked comfortable playing in all of the above. Standing at under 6 foot, Trewin may see his long term future in defensive midfield, but at present he is one of the A-League’s best centre backs, and has a big future wherever he finds himself. 

Anton Mlinaric (2002) - Sydney FC (on loan at Brisbane Roar) - CB

Having spent last season on loan at Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, former Joey Anton Mlinarić moved to Brisbane on loan from Sydney FC and really impressed in his first senior appearances. Mlinarić is composed on the ball and able to bring the ball out of defence with long passes, while he is defensively solid and positionally aware. Mlinaric has grown in stature in his first few A-League appearances, and with his skill-set as a left-footed ball playing centre back, is definitely one to watch for the future. 

Jordan Courtney-Perkins (2002) - Raków Częstochowa - CB, LB

The young centre back and former Joey made a move to Polish club Raków Częstochowa in the European summer of 2021, and has already broken into the first team at the Ekstraklasa side. The youngster is tall, powerful, good in the air and composed on the ball - able to find left-footed passes to teammates upfield. However, Courtney-Perkins lacks speed and is vulnerable to being found out with attacking runs in behind. Despite that, Courtney-Perkins is at an ambitious club on the rise and has the potential to forge out a good career in Europe. 

Mark Natta (2002) - Western Sydney Wanderers - CB

Having been plagued with injuries in his youth, Natta broke into the Wanderers’ first team in 2021 and excelled with the opportunity. He is a stylish left-footed centre back - composed on the ball and in defence, and able to step up aggressively at the right moment to stop onrushing attackers. Natta is positionally aware and defensively intelligent, but needs improvement physically. Regardless, Natta is a serious talent with massive wraps on him in the Wanderers’ academy set-up, and is one to watch. 

Joseph Calusic (2004) - Sydney FC - CB, LB

Most Australian football fans will be unfamiliar with the former Australia U15 representative, but the Sydney FC youngster is one of Australia’s most talented centre backs. Calusic is elegant on the ball, and is able to bring the ball out of defence with ease and find long range, left-footed passes to break through the opposition’s defensive lines. This is not to say he’s not defensively sound; Calusic is effective in recovery, aggressive in stepping up on attackers and is positionally aware. While he needs to improve his physicality - having a very slight frame - and his communication, Calusic is someone to definitely keep an eye on in years to come. 

Lucas Mauragis (2001) - Newcastle Jets - LB, LW

Having made an A-League debut at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, the Merimbula product really got an opportunity at the end of the 2020-21 season. The young fullback impressed with his creativity, directness, energy and speed, capped off with a 2-assist performance in the Jets’ upset win over eventual A-League champions Melbourne City. Mauragis was rewarded for this with a maiden Olyroos call-up, and will be looking to break into Arthur Papas’ revolution in 2021-22. 

Doni Grdic (2002) - HNK Sibenik - CB

The son of Sydney-born former Hajduk Split player Antun Grdić, the young centre back was born and raised in Croatia but is committed to the Australian national teams, having already represented the Joeys and the Young Socceroos. Grdić has already made numerous league starts for HNK Sibenik in the Croatian top flight, and is a traditional centre back - aggressive on the ground and dominant in the air, and somewhat agricultural in his style of play, offering a different dimension to centre backs produced in Australia. Playing regularly at his age in a good European league, Grdić is one to keep an eye on in years to come. 

Riley Warland (2002) - Newcastle Jets - CB, LB

The former Fulham junior and Joey returned to professional football with Perth Glory in 2020-21 before making the move to Newcastle this season, and has started to show signs of his significant potential once again. The young defender is composed on the ball, defensively sound and solid in the air, and has the natural athleticism to become a good left-centre back in years to come. Having overcome mental health issues which took him away from professional football and brought him back to Australia, Warland is still only 19 and has ample time to fulfil his undoubted potential.  

Jordan Bos (2002) - Melbourne City - LB

Having won a scholarship at Melbourne City in 2021, Jordan Bos has started to impress in the A-League champions’ senior set-up. The young left-back is a former junior national sprint champion, and this is demonstrated in his play; he is quick, skilful, direct, and purposeful in his attacking runs. After having a difficult start to his A-League career vs. Adelaide, Bos has excelled since, and moreover impressed in a maiden Olyroos call-up vs. Indonesia. The former Joey is proving a capable understudy to City captain Scott Jamieson, and has all the attributes to displace him in the not too distant future. 

Midfielders: 

Cristian Volpato (2003) - AS Roma - AM 

Probably the most well known U18 player on this list, Volpato is not just another overhyped youngster in an eligibility battle. No, Cristian Volpato is probably the best player in unquestionably the best Primavera (U19) side in Italy. The ex-Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers academy player, is a powerful, technical and direct attacking midfielder, capable of driving forward, picking out passes and producing unpredictable moments of immense quality. With his power and athleticism, he is dangerous in transition and capable of breaking games open, and viewers of Volpato of late will have seen a talented youngster playing with great confidence and no fear. With this skill set, we can only hope that Football Australia lock him in to playing for Australia, amidst real interest from gli Azzurri - because Volpato is a seriously talented player with the ability to be a long term Socceroo and the swagger to be the face of Australian football. 

Jonny Yull (2005) - Adelaide United - CM

Amongst the other names high up on the list, Yull is relatively unknown, having made only 2 fleeting A-League cameos. But, he is one to be very excited about. The 16 year old Adelaide advanced midfielder or ‘8’, is a fixture in the club’s NPL team, where he has dominated with his outstanding technical ability. Proficient on either foot, Yull is excellent at both carrying the ball - beating opponents with sublime jinks and turns in midfield - and at releasing the ball, possessing excellent passing range and vision. These are rare attributes for an Australian central midfielder, and combined with his ability to find and receive the ball in the half-space in midfield, present an interesting proposition for the future of the Australian national teams. He is an Australian player with very high potential. 

Bernardo (2004) - Adelaide - AM, RW

Having returned to Adelaide United early in 2021 after a difficult spell at Melbourne City, the young attacking midfielder’s star has risen in leaps and bounds ever since. The son of Adelaide’s Brazilian great Cassio, Bernardo is a dynamic attacking midfielder-cum-winger with a low centre of gravity, excellent close control and impressive agility - who is fearless in his capacity to continually drive at defenders. Blessed with good vision as well, the left-footer has fantastic potential, however it is imperative for the youngster to develop his decision making in the final third. If he can do that, it is inevitable that he will add to his Joeys appearances and become a fixture in Australian national teams for years to come. 

Ryan Teague (2002) - Familicao (on loan at SC Covilha) - DM, CM

Having captained the Joeys to the knockout stages of the 2019 U17 World Cup, Ryan Teague’s star has continued to rise having been taken by super-agent Jorge Mendes to Portugal. In 2021, Teague was nominated for Portugal’s Liga Reveleção (U23 league) player of the year, won his first Olyroos caps and earned a loan to Segunda Liga SC Covilhã, where he has already started 10 games. The young midfielder is composed and skilful on the ball, works hard out of possession and has the quality to find incisive passes or carry the ball upfield, skills sharpened by his first team experience as his side’s youngest player in Portugal. If he can return to and make a first team breakthrough at parent club Familição in 2022, then he will surely push himself into Socceroos contention. 

Caleb Watts (2002) - Southampton (on loan at Crawley Town) - CM, AM, DM

Since this list was last published, the English-born Watts has made his Premier League debut, represented Australia at the Olympics, become a statistical standout in Premier League 2, and received a season ending injury at loan club Crawley Town. The disappointment of the latest should not however undermine the potential that Watts has; he is a creative midfielder who is excellent at carrying the ball and works hard off the ball, while possessing good vision on the ball. Hopefully he can overcome this injury setback and continue to develop in years to come. 

Alexander Robertson (2003) - Manchester City - AM, CM

Another much-vaunted youngster in the midst of an eligibility battle, Robertson is now back at footballing giant Manchester CIty after a frustrating loan spell at Scottish side Ross County. Despite all the hype and the disappointment of this move, Robertson remains a talented, goalscoring, advanced midfielder at arguably the best football club in the world. He is an impressive young player, able to repeatedly make late, well-timed, goalscoring runs into the box, while also being technically proficient and either-footed on the ball. Robertson is Australian-raised, with impeccable Socceroos pedigree (both his father and grandfather were Socceroos), and is one to watch for the future without doubt.  

Alessandro Lopane (2004) - Western Sydney Wanderers - AM, CM, LW

The Western Sydney Wanderer is a shining example of the now-blooming A-League academy system; having joined the Wanderers Academy at U13 level, Lopane has now progressed into the first team. Lopane is a talented attacking midfielder: technically gifted, confident, smart and a goalscoring threat from distance. He has already represented Australia at U15 and U23 level - featuring in the latter as the youngest member of the Olyroos squad in their matches vs. Indonesia, where he impressed with his intelligent movement, sharp touches and vision. Lopane has significant potential and is a player who Australian football rarely produces. 

Adrian Segecic (2004) - Sydney FC - AM, CF, RW

Segecic is a name to remember for Australian football fans. Managed by Michael Owen, the young attacking midfield is a real talent. Blessed with superb technique, Segecic has excellent vision, is a good finisher, is able to skip and turn past opponents with ease, and is able to find pockets of space in midfield intelligently. He has excellent workrate off the ball and doesn’t shirk responsibility, however is still physically slight and sometimes struggles with the physicality of opponents. However, he remains a big talent, and has already made his A-League debut with Sydney FC having impressed in the 2021 NPL NSW where he emerged as a key player. Segecic has represented Australia at U15 level, has trialled at big clubs in Europe and is being pursued by the Croatian national team, and is a player to watch for the future. 

Calem Nieuwenhof (2001) - Sydney FC - DM, CM

Having broken into the Sydney lineup with much fanfare at the commencement of the 2020-21 season, Nieuwenhof impressed with consistent standout performances in Sydney’s midfield, even displacing long-time starting midfielder Paulo Retre. However, recurring injuries - first to his back and now to his grain - have stalled his progress. Yet his attributes should still remain intact - his ability to break up play and progress the ball with minimal fuss, all premised on excellent technique, and at only 20 he still has a big future ahead. 

Cameron Peupion (2002) - Brighton and Hove Albion - LW, RW, AM

Having impressed at the 2019 U17 World Cup, the Sydney FC product won himself a move to Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, where he impressed last season with 9 goals in 16 starts in the U18 Premier League. Since then, he has proceeded to become a fixture in Brighton’s talented U23 side, excelling with his dynamic speed, close control and direct running. Brighton’s youth structure offers a clear pathway to first team football - and Peupion will hope he is the next in line to follow suit. Don’t write him off - he is a player with real promise at a club which embraces young talent.  

Rhys Bozinovski (2004) - Western United - AM, CM

Having defected to Western United from Melbourne City’s academy, Bozinovski quickly affirmed his potential, scoring himself a scholarship contract with the Tarneit-based side. Bozinovski has strong potential; he is energetic and hard-working in midfield, but moreover is able to skip past opponents and score outstanding goals from midfield, a rare skill in Australian players. He made his first senior matchday squad for Western United and will be looking to make a professional future in the near future, and is unquestionably one to watch. 

Teng Kuol (2003) - Central Coast Mariners - DM, RB

The younger brother of Alou and older brother of Garang, Teng Kuol was the third in the family to join the Central Coast Mariners having left Melbourne Victory in late 2021. With a different playing style to both his brothers, Teng is a very interesting prospect. Extremely athletic, Kuol is an excellent ball-winner who is also composed and confident in possession, boasting a skill-set which allows him to break down play and immediately launch effective attacking transitions. Now embedded in the youth set-up at Gosford, don’t be surprised if Teng Kuol follows in his brothers’ footsteps and breaks into the Mariners’ first-team sooner rather than later.  Jake Hollman (2001) - Macarthur FC - AM 

A product of the Sydney FC academy, Hollman joined Macarthur ahead of their inaugural A-League season and has shown glimpses of his immense quality in his first two A-League seasons. Hollman is an attacking midfielder who is excellent 1v1, able to skip past players at will, but who also possesses superb vision and the technique to match. Hollman has proven that he is too good for NPL NSW, and now faces a challenge to cement a regular place in Macarthur’s starting side, and is perhaps restrained by his lack of physicality. If this is improved, the former Young Socceroo has potential to burn. 

Luke Duzel (2002) - Western United - CM, DM

The son of former Croatian NSL import Ivan Duzel, Luke Duzel is another member of the Joeys’ successful 2019 U17 World Cup squad. The young midfielder is technically gifted, with a simple but elegant style, able to dictate play in midfield with vision and the ability to glide past opponents. His natural talent is eye-catching but his decision making sometimes fails him with cheap giveaways in midfield, however he has undoubted potential. However, the fulfilment of this potential is limited by the unfortunate reality of his situation; Western United give almost 4x less A-League minutes to U23 Australians than any other A-League side. 

Louis D’Arrigo (2001) - Adelaide United - CM, DM

A standout amongst his age-group peers in terms of match minutes, Louis D’Arrigo has impressed over his last two seasons with Adelaide United. Part of the AIS’ last footballing cohort, D’Arrigo well-rounded central midfielder with sound technique, noticeable energy and good ball-winning abilities. However, he has dropped out of the starting XI, and is yet to carve out a niche in Adelaide’s new midfield amidst the return of club icon Isaias. D’Arrigo is a good player with good potential, but questions remain over whether he something extra to offer which can displace the Spaniards. 

Attackers: 

Mohamed Touré (2004) - Adelaide United - CF, RW

Having made his debut as a 15 year old for Adelaide United, Mohamed Touré is now destined for a move to France’s Ligue 1 upon turning 18. The powerful striker’s progress, however, has been slowed by injury, yet he still remains Australia’s most exciting attacking talent. Blessed with speed to burn, Touré is incredibly dangerous in transition, is powerfully built, and has developed the ability to hold up the ball while holding off defenders. Still only 17, Touré is in his third senior season and has great potential given his physical profile, yet still has a number of technical limitations which will be need to be rectified for Touré to reach his lofty ceiling. It will be exciting to see how he continues to progress. 

Marco Tilio (2001) - Melbourne City - LW, RW, AM

Anyone who watched Marco Tilio progress through the NPL with Sydney FC would have no doubt been left assured of his potential, but Tilio’s last 12 months have seen him translate that potential into consistent performances of quality. Having broken into the Melbourne City first team early in 2021, Tilio impressed with his strong technique, 1v1 ability and vision, including putting in a stunning goal and assist performance in the A-League semi final vs. Macarthur. This form saw him break into the Olyroos squad for the Tokyo Olympics, where he capped off a whirlwind 6 months with an outstanding winner vs. Argentina, a goal reminiscent of some of Tilio’s goals in Sydney FC’s NPL team years previous. Tilio has continued his development with strong performances for Melbourne City and now, a Socceroos call-up, and looks set for a move to Europe sooner rather than later. 

Tristan Hammond (2003) - Austria Wien II - RW, LW

A product of the Sporting CP youth system, Hammond signed for Austria Wien in 2021 and has since become a fixture of their B team, playing in the Austrian 2.Liga. A member of Australia’s 2019 U17 World Cup squad, Hammond has impressed with his unpredictability and capacity to beat defenders with his agility and dribbling ability both 1v1 and 1v2. Hammond is playing and training with the Austria Wien first team during the winter break and at only 19, this is extremely promising. Hammond offers something different, he is mercurial at times, and can be a real asset for Australian football for years to come. 

Nestor Irankunda (2006) - Adelaide United - RW 

Having only recently debuted in an Original Rivalry A-League match, the 15 year old winger became one of the youngest players in the competition’s history, less than 4 years after scoring 28 goals in 8 games playing U12s for Raiders in Adelaide. This debut came as a result of consistently strong NPL performances for Adelaide United, impressing as a 15 year old often against players more than double his age. Irankunda possesses lightning speed, strong 1v1 ability and good finishing ability, while playing with competitiveness and aggression. At only 15, Irankunda has a really big future. 

Lachlan Brook (2001) - Brentford (on loan at Adelaide United) - RW, AM 

Having just arrived back in the country on loan to his former club Adelaide United, Brook has spent the last two years at now-Premier League club Brentford, where he has ostensibly taken tangible steps forward in his footballing development. Blessed with technical ability, the left-footer was probably the Olyroos’ best player in their recent qualifying ‘campaign’ vs. Indonesia, impressing with his 1v1 ability, agility and his ability to threaten the goal from distance. He has played consistently for Brentford’s unique B team, and now returns to Adelaide where he can be expected to demonstrate the evolution of his football during his time in England. 

Alou Kuol (2001) - VfB Stuttgart II - CF 

2021 was the year of Alou Kuol. The Goulburn Valley Suns product scored 7 goals and registered 2 assists for the Central Coast Mariners in 2020-21 and scored a move to ex-Arsenal Head of Recruitment Sven Mislintat’s VfB Stuttgart, where he has continued scoring for the club’s second team while training with the first team. Blessed with natural athleticism and a natural eye for goal, Kuol was brilliant at times for Central Coast last season, dominating defenders on the ground and in the air, exciting fans with his goal celebrations and charisma and improving every week on the ball. The latter is where he needs to continue to develop, and one can expect that will happen in Germany, where we can be genuinely excited about his development. 

Jacob Italiano (2001) - Borussia Mönchengladbach II - LW, AM 

The former Perth youngster is now in his third season at German club Borussia Mönchengladbach - still yet to make a first team appearance and now largely playing off the bench for the club’s second team. As disappointing as this may seem, evidence from the Olyroos’ recent games against Indonesia is strong enough to suggest that like Brook, Italiano has made clear improvements in his game since arriving at the Bundesliga club. Italiano, at his best, can be a dynamic attacking player, strong 1v1, able to combine with sharp passes, and threaten on goal. At only 20 years old, Italiano is definitely still young enough, and still has the skillset to develop into a Socceroo and forge a European career. 

Max Caputo (2005) - Melbourne City - CF

The 3rd youngest player in A-League history, Max Caputo made his A-League debut in the Melbourne Derby late in the 2020-21 season, soon after having signed a scholarship contract for Melbourne City. The young striker is an interesting proposition; physically strong, particularly for his age, excellent at holding up the ball and with a good positional sense. Add that to 12 goals in 13 games as a 15 year old in NPL3 for Melbourne City, and you have a very good prospect. Caputo hasn’t seen any first team game time since his debut and you would hope his progress will not be stalled by the extensive talent ahead of him at Melbourne City, but at only 16 years old the Essendon Royals product is one to get excited about for the future. 

Jing Reec (2003) - AGF Aarhus - CF 

The former Marconi Stallion has achieved a rapid rise over the past 2.5 years, going from NPL U16s to a NPL 1st grade debut, to a professional debut with Central Coast Mariners, to a move to, and subsequent first team debut at, AGF Aarhus in Denmark. Reec is yet another young African-Australian footballer who has made their mark over the past few years, part of an incredibly exciting new dawn in Australian football, and is a very talented striker. Blessed with size and fantastic athleticism, Reec is rapid, able to hold the ball up and a very good striker of the football. At a club that evidently trusts Australian talent, and with fantastic attributes for a young centre forward, Reec has a big future. 

Nishan Velupillay (2001) - Melbourne Victory - RW 

An aggressive, dynamic winger, Nishan Velupillay has exploded onto the scene this season. Having scored repeatedly in pre-season, Velupillay has impressed in his cameos with his direct running, pace and unstinting willingness to take on his direct opponent, as well as his ability to get in good positions to score. Coming on late in games, Velupillay has excited and consistently provided Victory with a second wind. Velupillay has become more confident with each appearance, and with his considerable athleticism, he definitely has the potential to become an exciting player in years to come. 

Archie Goodwin (2004) - Newcastle Jets - CF

In a difficult season for the Jets, young Novocastrian Archie Goodwin was a ray of hope for the future. Making 8 appearances as a 16 year old, Goodwin was impressive, and capped off the Jets’ season on a high with a stunning long-range strike in the Jets’ upset win over eventual champions Melbourne City. Goodwin is a natural goalscorer with good technique and movement, who can score different types of goals. At only 17, Goodwin is still physically developing and has battled injuries related to growth, but is indubitably a player to watch for the future.  

Patrick Wood (2002) - Sydney FC - CF

Having exploded onto the scene with 11 goals in 11 games in NPL1 NSW 1st grade as a 17 year old, Patrick Wood has continued to impress with Sydney FC in the A-League. Now with 5 A-League goals to his name, Wood is a poacher who is able to stretch defenders with his pace, find good scoring positions, threaten in transition and harass defenders with his energy out of possession. Wood can score different types of goals with both feet, inside and outside of the box, but is limited in his touch and his technique. If this can develop, Wood can become a very dangerous striker. 

Garang Kuol (2004) - Central Coast Mariners - RW, CF 

Part of the now famous Kuol family, Garang Kuol is following in his older brother Alou’s footsteps at the Central Coast Mariners. A very different sort of player to his older brother however, the Goulburn Valley Suns product has made his mark in NPL2 NSW with his electrifying pace, 1v1 ability, ability to turn at high speed and his technique on the ball. This form saw him rewarded with a senior debut in FFA Cup, scoring a goal vs. APIA on debut. This goal underlined the attributes which Kuol has, the rare combination of speed and technique. With these attributes, and at a club which is known for giving opportunities to young talent, Kuol has a lot of potential. 

Alex Badolato (2005) - Western Sydney Wanderers - CF, AM, LW 

After an impressive year in NSW NPL2, the 16-year old made his Western Sydney Wanderers debut in an FFA Cup tie vs. Broadmeadow Magic, scoring on debut to top it off. The young attacker is impressive on the ball and possesses good vision off it. Although somewhat physically limited, Badolato has potential to become a good attacking talent, and has already trialled overseas in the hope of securing a contract at a European club. Badolato is a model of development in the A-League academy system, having gone from the U13s at WSW to the first team. 

Rapha (2003) - Melbourne City - RW, LW, CF, AM

The son of former Adelaide import Cristiano, Rapha is one of the most promising players in the heralded City academy. The Raiders product was signed from South Australia a few years ago, and has really blossomed in the Melbourne City system, making an A-League debut in the 2019-20 season and becoming a regular in matchday squads since. The attacking midfielder, who can play on either wing or even upfront, is blessed with pace and power, plays with flair and strong technique and is a threat both creatively and on goal. These attributes bode well for his future development, but whether he can consistently get minutes at Melbourne City behind the likes of Leckie, Maclaren, Nabbout, Tilio and Colakovski is another question which remains unanswered. 

Noah Botić (2002) - Western United -  CF

A star of the Joeys’ 2019 U17 World Cup campaign, Covid and injuries curtailed Noah Botić’s promising stint at Bundesliga club Hoffenheim before the Rockdale product returned to Australia, signing at Western United. The young striker is an intelligent player, with effective movement, strong technique, good aerial ability and excellent finishing. The talent is undoubted, but Botić has struggled with injuries even since his return to Australia and a maiden Olyroos call-up was ruined by injury. If he can get into stride however, his quality will shine for all to see.