ANALYSIS: Five Australian Players Portsmouth Should Consider Adding to Their Roster

With Adrian Segecic joining Portsmouth, he has become the fifth Australian player to transfer to the EFL Championship club from the Isuzu UTE A-League in the past two years. At aleagues.com.au, we delve into the next wave of Australian talent that could potentially catch Pompey’s attention.

Segecic made the move to Fratton Park following a remarkable season with the Sky Blues, where he was joint-winner of the Golden Boot, netting 13 goals alongside Adelaide United’s Archie Goodwin.

The 21-year-old will reconnect with former Sydney FC teammate Hayden Matthews, while other A-Leagues alumni like Jacob Farrell (Central Coast Mariners) and Thomas Waddingham (Brisbane Roar) are currently making their mark at the club. Additionally, former Wanderers and Adelaide United striker Kusini Yengi had a stint at Fratton Park before his transfer to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho has spoken highly of the talent emerging from the Isuzu UTE A-League:

“We absolutely love the A-Leagues!”

John Mousinho, Portsmouth Head Coach

With this in mind, read on to discover the young Aussie players who may feature on the radar of supporters for Portsmouth FC!

Panagiotis Kikianis: Adelaide United (CB)

Should Portsmouth seek another young centre-back similar to Socceroo Hayden Matthews, they need look no further than Adelaide United’s Panagiotis Kikianis.

The 20-year-old had a breakout season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, starting 23 matches for the Reds and establishing himself as a central figure in their defence despite his youth.

Indeed, Kikianis could have featured more for Carl Veart’s side if not for his commitments on the international stage.

On the international front, Kikianis played a crucial role in assisting the Australian U20 squad secure their first-ever AFC U20 Asian Cup.

A robust central defender known for his capability to initiate attacks from the back, Kikianis finished third for successful forward passes from defence last season and is adept with both feet.

It’s evident that Kikianis is attracting the eye of various European clubs hunting for the next big talent, but acquiring him may be costly.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Kikianis is currently the most valuable player in the Isuzu UTE A-League, with an estimated transfer fee of approximately $7.3 million AUD (around £3.5 million), significantly more than Portsmouth spent on Matthews.

Kealey Adamson: Macarthur Bulls FC (RB)

As one of the highlights of the previous season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Kealey Adamson is reportedly drawing interest from overseas clubs.

After joining on a free transfer from Sydney FC, the 22-year-old thrived during his first full season at the Bulls under coach Mile Sterjovski, racking up 26 appearances, scoring twice and providing three assists.

A tenacious defender with remarkable stamina, no player in the league made and won more tackles than Adamson in the 2024-25 season.

Furthermore, Adamson won more duels than any other player and ranked third overall for successful recoveries made throughout the 2024-25 season, highlighting his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.

He proved to be a constant threat for the Bulls attacking-wise, regularly pushing up the right side.

Given that Championship side Queens Park Rangers have reportedly been keeping tabs on Adamson’s situation, he could potentially find himself facing Portsmouth next season!

Ryan Teague: Melbourne Victory

If Portsmouth is in search of a central midfielder, then Ryan Teague from Melbourne Victory is an excellent option.

Having become a fully-fledged Socceroo with three caps, Teague has thrived since returning to the Isuzu UTE A-League two seasons ago after a stint at Primeira Liga club Famalicão in Portugal.

Recently honoured as Victory’s Player of the Year at the season-ending awards, the 23-year-old excelled in midfield, contributing significantly as Victory reached the Grand Final for the second consecutive time.

Operating primarily at the base of midfield, Teague ranked second for recovering possession in the defensive third and third overall for forward passes (548) among midfielders in the league.

Teague finished amongst the top ten central midfielders in the league for successful passes, passing accuracy, and progressive carries, showcasing that his all-round ability significantly contributed to his Socceroos debut in March, followed by two more appearances.

Dylan Peraic-Cullen: Central Coast Mariners – (GK)

Following the retirement of A-Leagues legend Danny Vukovic after an outstanding treble-winning season, Mariners head coach Mark Jackson had a critical decision to make for 2024-25: who would take over as his main goalkeeper?

Enter 18-year-old goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen.

In a surprising choice ahead of off-season signing Alex Pavlesic for the opening match against Melbourne Victory, Peraic-Cullen impressed in a challenging season.

Not only did he become the Mariners’ youngest starting goalkeeper, but he also claimed the record as the youngest keeper in the Isuzu UTE A-League to keep a clean sheet on debut.

Throughout his rookie season, he demonstrated impressive reflexes with more saves made inside the box than any other keeper in the league, and showcased composure when playing out from the back—a skill he likely honed under the mentorship of the legendary Vukovic.

Even with just one full season of experience in the Isuzu UTE A-League, it’s evident that clubs are already gearing up for future bids for the goalkeeper.

Initially contracted as a scholarship player, the club swiftly elevated him to a professional deal, and Peraic-Cullen is now secured until the end of the 2026-27 season, with estimates from CIES Football Observatory pegging his transfer value around $5 million AUD.

Nishan Velupillay: Melbourne Victory (LW)

Proving himself a consistent attacking threat in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Nishan Velupillay had his best season yet with Melbourne Victory.

Concluding the campaign with seven goals and four assists, the powerful winger excelled at both club and international levels.

Receiving his first call-up to the national team under former Victory coach Tony Popovic in October 2024, Velupillay made an impact, scoring soon after coming on as a substitute in a vital FIFA World Cup qualifier against China.

Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, an ankle injury hampered his season, causing him to miss a month of action. However, upon his return, Victory aimed for a place in the Finals Series, ultimately advancing to the Grand Final, where they suffered a narrow loss to Melbourne City.

A versatile forward capable of playing across the attack, Velupillay’s pace and strength pose significant challenges for defenders. This is evidenced by his ranking fourth in the league for successful take-ons and dribbles.

Regrettably, Velupillay suffered another ankle injury during the second leg of their semi-final win over Auckland FC, ruling him out of the Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final.

While injuries have stalled his progress this season, it’s clear that his star is on the rise. With five caps and two goals for the Socceroos, it’s certain that numerous clubs will be keeping a close eye on him, particularly as his contract extends until 2026.