Aussie Teen Dubbed a ‘Complete Midfielder’ Sets Sights on Ambitious Goal Following Overseas Trials

Could Noah Maieroni be the next bright talent from the academy to make his mark in the A-Leagues?

Across Australia, a number of promising youngsters are standing out in youth setups, with several already securing scholarship deals and their first professional appearances, including the highly regarded Lucas Herrington from Brisbane Roar, who made his debut in 2024-25.

Maieroni, hailing from the Roar academy, is one of these teenagers making waves at the NPL level.

The 19-year-old midfielder is back donning the Roar colours after a four-year hiatus, leading the team as captain in this year’s NPLM QLD.

The talented youngster has already trained with Brisbane’s Isuzu UTE A-League squad and is now poised to take the next leap in his career.

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“Playing in the A-League next season is a major goal for me,” Maieroni shared with aleagues.com.au after Brisbane’s consecutive wins in the NPLM QLD. “I feel like I’m ready and getting close to that point.”

“My hope is to make my debut and integrate into the first team. I understand that I need to continue working hard and delivering strong performances for the youth team.”

Maieroni was recognized by The Courier Mail as one of the 70 standout schoolboy talents in 2023, a distinction that highlights him as “one of the very best” the publication encountered. His football journey with Roar began in the U13 and U14 teams between 2018 and 2019, before he moved to Brisbane City.

While with the Roar, he claimed victories in the U13 and U14 National Youth Championships.

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“Returning to the Roar after a couple of years away and gaining valuable experience in men’s football has been a major pull for me—being back in a professional environment and the chance to aim for a spot in the A-League first team,” he noted.

“I couldn’t pass up that opportunity.”

His return to the Roar also reunited him with Karl Dodd, the current academy head coach and former Brisbane City manager.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Noah over the past few years and have witnessed significant development in his abilities,” Dodd commented to aleagues.com.au.

“He possesses a unique talent for breaking down defenses and is evolving into a complete midfielder.”

“His dedication is paying off, and he’s spent the last couple of months surrounded by A-League training, so I’m confident he’s eager to be part of the A-Leagues pre-season and demonstrate his skills.”

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This aspiring player has proudly represented the Australian Schoolboys at the U19 and U20 levels in 2023 and 2024, respectively, alongside talents like Portsmouth’s Thomas Waddingham and Celtic’s Liam Bonetig. His standout performances with the schoolboys attracted international attention, culminating in trials in both Scotland and Denmark.

Now back with the Roar, Maieroni draws inspiration from the likes of Barcelona icons Xavi and Andres Iniesta. He aspires to follow in the footsteps of teammates Herrington and James Durrington, both of whom have successfully transitioned from Brisbane’s academy to A-League football this season.

“Witnessing fellow young players rise through the academy and make a significant impact in the A-League this season serves as a tremendous motivation for me and many of the youth team members,” he expressed.

“If we can perform well and succeed in the NPL, there are chances for us to secure our debuts and transition to the first team.”

“The key for me is to remain patient, keep working hard and hopefully, that opportunity to shine will present itself.”