Welcome to Wonderkid Watch: your weekly update on the rising talents and exciting narratives from A-League clubs competing at NPL levels across Australia.
*There was a bye in the NPLM WA, and Brisbane Roar’s NPLM QLD match was postponed.
Western United standout shines across two matches as top scorer continues his streak
This past weekend was action-packed for a burgeoning star from Western United, as the Green and Black’s academy celebrated another triumph.
Introducing Tobias Servin. The promising Western United talent, who turned 17 in February, played for both the senior academy squad and the U23s on Sunday, netting goals in each game.
The senior team faced FC Melbourne Srbija at 4pm AEST in Tarneit, where Servin came on as a substitute, “changing the game dramatically,” as noted by academy director Anthony Frost.
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Servin contributed to a 3-1 victory, with the second-placed Western United benefitting from an own goal alongside a strike from Harry Casci.
He then followed it up with an exceptional 45-minute stint for the U23s at 6:30pm AEST. Starting for the league leaders, he netted twice within 18 minutes, helping to secure a dominant 10-1 win over FC Melbourne Srbija.
Alex Marmura also had a brilliant game, scoring two goals, while teammates Oscar Tanic, Ibrahim Kaddour, Anderson Back, Winston Ashburner, Ethan Robinson, and Christian Dermentzoglou all found the net at Ironbark Fields.
Frost explained the strategy behind Servin playing for both teams on Sunday: “We aim to play the U23 match following the senior game, maximising match minutes for those on the bench in the seniors.”
“Additionally, this scheduling prepares them for future starting roles. We prefer them to be playing rather than merely running laps post-match.”
“It’s all about finding those marginal gains to help our players grow. The more game time, the better.”
Servin has been steadily improving in 2025. After scoring four goals in four games for the U17 academy squad, he now boasts five goals in seven U23 matches and two in four VPL1 appearances.
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“He possesses an all-round physicality typical of a traditional striker and has a notable ability to involve teammates in the build-up. As he sharpens his finishing consistency, he could become an exemplary player in time,” Frost elaborated.
“Tobias has elite physical qualities, such as blistering speed and solid strength, resulting in a genuinely formidable player. He can involve others significantly in the play and remains clinical in front of goal.”
“He’s an exciting prospect, and we hope to see him getting more exposure to senior play as the VPL1 season unfolds.”
Marmura’s double has solidified his position atop the Golden Boot standings at U23 level in VPL1, bringing his tally to 12 goals for the season.
“Alex is a foundational academy player who’s in his third season with us, continuously progressing through our program since starting in the U16s,” Frost shared.
“He’s a smart striker capable of making intelligent runs and positioning himself in advantageous areas to exploit threats. His contributions in build-up play are invaluable, demonstrating strong link-up capabilities with midfielders.”
“We’re thrilled to witness his senior football debut; Alex is dedicated on and off the field to unlock his full potential.”
In NPLM VIC, Melbourne Victory and Preston Lions battled to a goalless draw on Monday night.
The U23s had better fortune, demolishing Preston 5-0 to reclaim top spot in the table, thanks to goals from William McIntosh, Lucas Alessi, Phil Harbinson, Malik Olukhale, and Mushahed Sawiz.
In NPLM SA, Adelaide United finished level with Para Hills Knights in a 2-2 affair.
Fabian Grelli and Harry Crawford scored for the Reds before the home team equalised in stoppage time.
Adelaide currently holds third place after six rounds, just two points behind the leaders.
The reserves made a remarkable comeback, defeating Para Hills 4-3 after trailing 3-1, with contributions from Mutsa Mupandawana, Sidiki Dukuly, Chris Irakoze, and Kaspar Kuzman.
Irakoze levelled the match in the 82nd minute, and Kuzman completed the turnaround seven minutes later, placing the Reds fourth, five points off the top.
Young stars continue to emerge from Melbourne City’s academy, with their senior team staying competitive for promotion in VPL1.
City’s senior academy side remains undefeated after 10 rounds in Victoria’s second tier, having enjoyed an entertaining 6-3 victory against Caroline Springs George Cross on Saturday night.
Under the guidance of Alessandro Diamanti, the youngsters produced a scintillating first half, scoring three times in just six minutes to take command before adding three more in the second half.
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Unbeaten so far this season, the highly-rated Michael Ghossaini netted two goals in a decisive four-minute span after Lawrence Wong opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Arion Sulemani added two goals in a ten-minute flurry during the second half to take his tally to five, while Benjamin Dunbar also contributed to the scoreline at City Vista Pavilion & Sports Field.
Ghossaini has experienced some game time in the Isuzu UTE A-League this season, making eight appearances for Aurelio Vidmar’s squad.
“It’s fantastic to see him hitting form and scoring at NPL level following his exposure to the A-League this season,” commented City’s senior academy manager Simon Zappia.
“He’s a natural finisher, often finding himself in the right positions.”
While Akeem Gerald didn’t score over the weekend, the 15-year-old was pivotal in securing a key penalty, continuing to impress through 2025.
Gerald, who just turned 15 in February, has already netted four goals this season and is the youngest player in history to score for City’s senior youth team.
He previously spent some time at Tottenham as a child while his family lived in England.
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“Akeem is making significant contributions to our VPL team, earning a crucial penalty this weekend,” Zappia said.
“He is a direct winger with a wonderful blend of speed and technical skills, making him challenging to defend against. Alessandro (Diamanti) has praised his defensive work ethic throughout this season.”
Numerous other academy talents are thriving within City’s Under-23 setup, currently positioned second in the competition, just three points shy of archrivals Western United.
Similar to the senior squad’s results, Melbourne City secured a commanding 6-2 victory against Caroline Springs George Cross.
John Kellis showcased his talent with a hat-trick, wrapping it up with two goals just five minutes apart towards the end of the match.
“John has faced numerous injuries during his time at the club, but when fit, he exhibits elite goal-scoring abilities and remains highly active off the ball, consistently making intelligent runs to get into goal-scoring positions,” Zappia stated.
“We hope he can maintain the consistency he’s displayed in recent weeks.”
Luke Becvinovski, the son of Victorian icon Sash, also found the net again, alongside Lewis Marinucci, as the 15-year-old sensation pushed his total to ten goals this season—enough to place him second in the Golden Boot race, just two behind the leader.
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“Luke, who was the top scorer at last year’s nationals, is demonstrating exceptional goal-scoring abilities while learning to position himself optimally for goal opportunities,” Zappia said.
“With remarkable speed, he’s capable of being effective behind defenders and has simultaneously developed his technical skills.”
“At just 15 years old, he is performing excellently at this level, and we look forward to witnessing his continual development.”
Another player making waves this season is Julian Recchia, who, while not on the scoresheet this weekend, has made significant strides in 2025.
Julian, the nephew of former Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar player Carl, has netted seven goals in ten matches this season.
“Julian is excelling in the U23s this season,” Zappia remarked.
“A natural leader, he has captained most age groups in the club and has excelled within successful Victorian state teams at National Youth Championships, where he has also been named player of the tournament.”
“Julian possesses a distinctive football IQ, showcasing vision on the pitch that few can match. He’s currently experiencing a vital growth phase.”
A similar trajectory can be seen in City team-mate Ahmed Faraz Gulzari, who has scored eight goals in eight outings for the U23 side this season.
“Faraz is a quick winger who showcases talent on both flanks and is also capable of playing as a number nine,” Zappia noted. “His productivity has seen improvements this season, and he’s being rewarded for his hard work.”
“We’re looking forward to seeing his growth in the coming months. He’s a local talent who joined from Berwick City in 2021 when we transitioned to Casey.”
Wellington Phoenix soaring high in New Zealand
The men’s reserves enjoyed their third straight win in New Zealand’s Central League, overcoming Napier City Rovers 2-0.
Daniel Makowem initiated the scoring with a fierce half-volley before Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigue secured the victory.
The Phoenix U18 women’s team also leads their competition after a resounding 7-1 victory over Taradale AFC.
Katie Pugh, Isabella Temple, and Kya Solomon established a 3-0 lead at half-time, with Grace Barlett scoring twice. Holly Robins and captain Mackenzie Bryant also added to the scoreline.
At the U18 men’s level, the Phoenix routed Western Suburbs with a 7-0 win, featuring a hat-trick from Jack Perniskie, while Alessandro Marchesse added two goals, and Fletcher Pratt and an own goal rounded out the scoring.
In U16, Ben Trenberth scored a late penalty to clinch a 3-2 win over Stokes Valley, with contributing goals from Harry Grosso and Grayson Lunman.
In NPLM NSW, Sydney FC edged a rivalry match against a depleted Central Coast Mariners 1-0 on Friday night.
Two Mariners players, Lawrence Taylor and Shumba Mutokoyi, received red cards as 11th-placed Sydney claimed victory thanks to a striking effort from substitute Mathias Macallister.
“I thought it was a solid win for us,” noted Sydney FC head coach Jimmy Van Weeren to NPL NSW.
“We outperformed the opposition before and after the red cards, and I’m delighted with the team’s performance.”
“We’re learning how to better manage games and be more clever; this squad is growing in capability, and the results are starting to come our way.”
Mariners coach Lucas Vilela commented, “It was a decent match, fairly evenly matched in the first half before the red card upheaval. Sydney FC is a strong academy, and we knew we were in for a tough challenge. My players fought hard; competing with 11 against nine is usually straightforward, but we held our ground and nearly snatched a draw at the end.”
Western Sydney Wanderers made headlines by defeating third-placed Manly United 2-0.
Julian Cop and Aidan Simmons were the heroes of the day for the 16th-placed Wanderers as they escaped the bottom of the table.
In the U20s league, Central Coast achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Sydney FC owing to Fynn Sadler‘s goal.
Tristan Arrarte and Kaan Nizam guided league leaders Western Sydney past Manly United with a scoreline of 2-1.
In NPLW NSW, Western Sydney Wanderers played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against UNSW FC.
A “special goal” from Talia Kapetanellis opened the scoring for the Wanderers at their home park, where the side maintained a 3-1 lead through goals from Miriam Zumaya and Anika Stajcic, only to see UNSW FC rally back to equalise in the second half.
Bulls FC Academy fell to a 2-1 defeat against NWS Spirit, despite a stunning strike from Ashlee Brodigan.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets faced a tough contest, losing 5-1 to Illawarra Stingrays, with Alexis Collins netting for the home side.
It was a mixed bag for two A-League academies in Football NSW League One, the second tier of the competition.
Alex Nunes, Wil Southcombe, Luca West, and Oliver Cockle all scored for third-placed Newcastle Jets in a 4-2 victory against Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
However, fifth-placed Bulls FC Academy suffered a 2-0 defeat away against UNSW FC, ending their seven-game unbeaten streak.
At the U20 level, Bulls FC Academy crushed UNSW FC 9-0.
Lachlan Sattout and Ali El-Sabeh each bagged hat-tricks, with the latter completing his within 17 minutes after scoring the opener in the 7th minute.
Julian Rodriguez, Leandro Carle, and Bassam Sabbagh also contributed to the tally for the Bulls.
Conversely, the Jets eked out a 2-1 win against Bonnyrigg, with Lucas Johnson and Cooper Vimpani finding the net in the first half.
The Bulls trail the Jets only on goal difference despite being level on points.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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