Remember the names Grace Kuilamu and Tiana Fuller.
At just 17 and 16 years old, Kuilamu and Fuller have emerged as standout representatives of the Ninja A-League’s impressive array of young talent this season.
Kuilamu, playing for Brisbane Roar, has already netted five goals and provided two assists in 13 matches, including six starts and a total of just 686 minutes on the pitch. Her decisive goal against Wellington Phoenix in Round 14 played a crucial role in keeping the Roar’s top-four aspirations alive.
In contrast, Fuller has contributed four goals for Central Coast Mariners and has remarkably found the net in consecutive matches on two separate occasions this season.
Despite only scoring five times in 25 NSW NPL appearances for the Football NSW Institute last year, the 16-year-old has seized her opportunity early in her Ninja A-League journey, scoring in her first two league matches and again in her latest outings with the Mariners.
Kuilamu and Fuller are quickly becoming two of the most talked-about young stars in the Ninja A-League. On the latest episode of Dub Zone, A-Leagues commentator Teo Pellizzeri and Sydney FC’s Mackenzie Hawkesby showered praise on these two teenagers for their impressive performances this season.
“Tiana Fuller has four goals as a 16-year-old and is matching Grace Kuilamu in terms of teenage scoring,” Pellizzeri remarked.
“It’s incredible what the Ninja A-League continues to produce. There’s an abundance of reliable young talent making a name for themselves on this platform.”
Hawkesby added, “Each year we see new talent emerging from various teams. This season has been particularly remarkable, with a new young player finding the score sheet almost every week—it’s wonderful to witness.”
Kuilamu has notably shone in Brisbane’s formidable attacking lineup this season, playing alongside established CommBank Matildas players like Tameka Yallop and Sharn Freier, as well as Freier’s twin sister Laini, who has recently earned her first Matildas call-up following a strong start to her own Ninja A-League campaign with seven goals.
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The impact of the 17-year-old Kuilamu is even more remarkable considering the challenges she faced leading up to the current season. She made her debut for Brisbane in 2023 at the age of 16 but sadly suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury after only two matches, sidelining her for the rest of the 2023-24 season.
This week, Kuilamu signed a contract extension with Brisbane Roar, ensuring her stay at the club until 2026.
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“Grace Kuilamu is a remarkable talent.”
– Teo Pellizzeri on Dub Zone
“It’s extraordinary to consider that she’s only 13 months post-ACL surgery and has returned seemingly without missing a beat,” Pellizzeri noted. “She’s now at six career goals, with five coming this season alone.”
“Mackenzie, you haven’t had the chance to go up against her much due to her injury last season. What’s it like seeing another player have a breakout season in a different team?” he asked.
Hawkesby responded, “It’s insane. With Brisbane, I feel like there’s a different player stepping up every week. When she came on against us, I could see right away that she was powerful and strong.”
“Brisbane is scoring freely; their multiple avenues of attack with various players is impressive to witness.”
Kuilamu has required just 13 games to reach five goals in the Ninja A-League; by comparison, Matildas and A-League great Sam Kerr took 20 matches to achieve the same feat.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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