Welcome to Wonderkid Watch: Your weekly update featuring the standout players and stories from A-League clubs competing at the NPL level across Australia.
Sydney FC Teen Delivers ‘First-Class’ NPL Performance
Mathias Macallister was simply superb. The young starlet showcased his talent as Sydney FC trounced Manly United 6-0 in a dominant display at NPLM NSW over the weekend.
The 18-year-old, son of former A-League player Dylan, netted an astonishing five goals in a phenomenal performance.
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Macallister started his scoring spree in the ninth minute, following a breakthrough goal from teammate Taye Hedley under rainy conditions on Sunday.
He then illuminated Cromer Park with four additional goals in a blistering 21 minutes during the second half.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
“Mathias’ performance was truly exceptional,” stated Sydney FC head coach Jimmy van Weeren, as his team sits seventh in the standings after 19 matches.
“The varied types of service he received, combined with his composure and diverse finishing skills, really highlight what a comprehensive striker Mathias can be. When he’s in top form, he is absolutely ruthless in this competition.
“He scored with his head, both feet, and even executed a delicate chip over the goalkeeper during a one-on-one situation.”
“That’s about as comprehensive as it gets for demonstrating all the ways a player can convert opportunities.”
Macallister, who was recognised as the 2025 Men’s Rising Star for the club, has already made inroads into professional football, having debuted for Sydney FC during their historic journey to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals.
The promising teenager is now close to making his Isuzu UTE A-League debut when the 2025-26 season kicks off in October.
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“Having made his Asian Champions League debut for the club was a remarkable milestone for him, and it was something we were proud of,” Van Weeren shared.
“If he continues on this trajectory, it’s very likely he’ll make his A-League debut this coming season, which we wholeheartedly believe he can achieve.”
Van Weeren added, “Since moving up to the senior academy, he’s been exceptionally impressive, grasping the hard work required to play in men’s football. It’s not just about having the ball; that’s been notable.
“It’s a challenge for any central striker to maintain possession when marked by experienced defenders in the league, but he’s made significant strides in that area.
“Mathias is also his own toughest critic, which is what allows him to learn effectively. His focus on his movement to create space and finish chances is exemplary.”
“He is an avid learner and constantly seeks ways to improve his game. We’re beginning to see the dividends of his effort and dedication to self-improvement.”
“What has truly impressed us is his defensive mindset and his capacity to contribute to the team, beyond just goal-scoring,” commented Van Weeren. “While scoring five goals is an outstanding achievement for which he should be immensely proud, we also focus on his mental and physical endurance throughout the 90 minutes of the match.”
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“If you observe Mathias now, you can see the considerable development he’s made in this facet of the game. He’s demonstrating what he can achieve as a striker, while also adopting a holistic approach to his game by being prepared to defend and compete for incoming balls.”
“He is genuinely evolving into a well-rounded number nine.”
In other matches, Western Sydney Wanderers fell 3-0 to Sydney United, while Central Coast Mariners lost 2-0 to Wollongong Wolves.
In Under-20 action, Western Sydney Wanderers are now clear at the top of the table following a 2-0 victory against Sydney United, thanks to goals from Kade Baccus and Johnny Pavlovic.
The Wanderers lead by a point over Manly United, who were defeated 4-1 by Sydney FC, with Zac Fowler netting a double and Oscar Gultekin also scoring following an own goal.
Central Coast Mariners played out a 2-2 draw with Wollongong, featuring an exhilarating finish where Xavier Dalpra scored a penalty in the 89th minute, only for the Mariners to concede a goal a minute later. Quinlan Barr was the other goalscorer for the Mariners.
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In Football NSW League One, the unstoppable Bulls FC Academy surged to the top of the second tier with a 2-1 victory against Macarthur Rams.
Zane Helweh, who has signed a scholarship contract with Macarthur Bulls, and Samuel Bosnjak were the heroes for the team.
Helweh’s 14th goal of the season was pivotal in maintaining the Bulls’ unbeaten streak of nine games as they ascended to the top of the table.
The Newcastle Jets faced a setback, falling 2-0 to Hills United.
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In the U20s, the Bulls triumphed over the Rams with a resounding 5-0 victory, featuring a brace from Lachlan Sattout and goals from Ali El-Sabeh, Atiya Waraga, and Henrique Oliveira.
The Bulls are now sitting comfortably at the top of the table, five points ahead of second-placed Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Dash Baker struck twice, leading the Jets to a 2-1 win against ten-man Hills United.
Victory’s Impressive Win Against Victorian Heavyweights
Melbourne Victory had a night to remember, overpowering NPLM VIC giants Oakleigh Cannons 5-2.
On Friday night, Victory shocked the reigning champions in their own backyard with an astounding four-goal first half.
Victory raced to a 2-0 lead within just eight minutes, leaving the home crowd stunned at Jack Edwards Reserve, where they led 4-1 at the interval.
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Alexander Houridis, Linus Bourke, and Charlie Gorevski netted their first-ever senior goals for Victory, alongside contributions from Daniel Lazarevski and Jordan Hoey.
“The progress in our performances is a testament to the players’ hard work and commitment to ongoing development throughout the season,” said Victory’s senior academy technical manager Boris Seroshtan to aleagues.com.au.
“I was thrilled to witness numerous players new to senior football compete with confidence and fearlessness during the match.”
Victory’s U23 side also enjoyed a successful night, hammering Oakleigh 6-2.
Phin Harbinson led the charge with a hat-trick, with contributions from Malik Olukhale, Edon Ajrovski, and Mushahed Sawiz.
Victory currently sit in second place, just a point behind top spot.
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In the state’s second division – VPL1 – both Melbourne City and Western United secured victories.
City bounced back to winning ways and reclaimed the top spot with a 1-0 win against North Sunshine Eagles.
Having suffered their first defeat of the season recently, City managed to return to form, winning thanks to a fantastic team effort capped by Luke Becvinovski, who marked his senior debut with a goal.
Becvinovski also leads the U23 VPL1 Golden Boot race with 15 goals this year.
City, possessing a game in hand, are ahead of Bentleigh Greens on goal difference after the latter fell 3-0 to Western United.
A devastating 17-minute onslaught left Bentleigh stunned, with Western capitalising on this with a 2-1 victory at Ironbark Fields in Tarneit on Sunday.
Alex Marmura scored a brace in quick succession as Oscar Tanic added one more for Western, who currently sit fourth and are nine points behind the leaders.
Marmura has now netted four goals in the senior team this season, having also bagged 14 at the U23 level, keeping him in close competition with Becvinovski.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
In the U23s, Western United remain unbeaten in 2025, narrowly defeating Bentleigh Greens 3-2. Ethan Robinson scored twice, while Marcus Tavolaro chimed in with one.
Western United have a four-point advantage over second-placed City, who recorded a staggering 9-1 victory over North Sunshine Eagles.
Theodore Limberis netted a hat-trick, with additional goals coming from Oliver O’Carroll, Daniel Matina, Isiah Boston, Ahmed Faraz Gulzari, Mikael Evagorou-Alao, and Joel Arena.
Glory Shine in WA, Bulls Continue to Dominate
Perth Glory is firmly in the mix in NPLM WA after edging out Fremantle City 2-1.
Giovanni De Abreu and new signing Sebastian Despotovski were crucial to their victory away from home, with Despotovski’s ninth goal of the season placing him second in the Golden Boot race. This victory positions Perth’s senior academy team third in the standings, seven points from the top.
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Meanwhile, Glory’s U23 squad leads the table, despite a 3-2 defeat to Fremantle City, with Tadiswa Shaun Mutyavaviri among the scorers.
In NPLM QLD, Brisbane Roar triumphed over Sunshine Coast Wanderers 2-0, courtesy of goals from James Durrington and Caleb Butler.
Conversely, Adelaide United suffered a 3-1 loss to league-leading FK Beograd, despite Bailey O’Neil opening the scoring early.
Adelaide’s reserves also went down 2-0 to FK Beograd.
In NPLW NSW, Bulls FC Academy showcased their excellence with a commanding 4-0 victory over UNSW.
Arna Hogarth-Scott, Jynaya Dos Santos, Elizabeth Grey, and Daniella Naeimi all found the net for the formidable Bulls, who are riding a nine-game unbeaten streak.
Notably, Dos Santos paid homage to his sister and Sydney FC star Indiana, who suffered a significant ACL injury this week.
Newcastle Jets encountered a rough night, losing 5-0 to NWS Spirit, while Sydney Olympic claimed a 3-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers.
Finally, Wellington Phoenix women’s reserves progressed to the Kate Sheppard Cup quarter-finals after narrowly defeating Wellington United, thanks to Sienna Candy’s decisive second-half goal.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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