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Adelaide Youth Expert Shares Insights on Rising Stars and the Club’s Vision: ‘I have a great appreciation for players like him’
Adelaide United has a storied reputation for developing talent, but how is their latest generation performing in 2025?
This past weekend proved to be successful for Adelaide in the NPLM SA, with both the senior men’s academy team and the reserves making a mark.
On Sunday, their senior side secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Croydon Kings, clinching the victory with a goal in the dying moments, putting them level at the top of the standings with nine points from four matches.
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Brody Burkitt scored a stoppage-time goal to earn the Reds the win, while Alex Battistella and Joey Garuccio – cousin of Western United’s captain – also found the net.
Airton Andrioli, Head of Youth Football, spoke with aleagues.com.au about the progress of Adelaide’s academy this season.
“We maintain consistent messaging in our approach,” Andrioli remarked regarding the seniors this year.
“Once players are settled in and understand our methods, we strive to give them a clear perspective on how we operate. When everyone aligns with the same vision, it allows players to express themselves more freely.”
“I believe that having a solid structure enables players to showcase their individuality. Without a solid foundation, talented players may not reach their full potential. That’s our focus.”
“The development is promising. We’re dedicated to creating an atmosphere where players can showcase their talents within the established frameworks; the rest is up to them to demonstrate their capabilities for the future.”
Adelaide continues to benefit from the youth program Andrioli established 16 years ago, which has produced a remarkable lineage of talent including Panagiotis Kikianis, Ethan Alagich, Luka Jovanovic, and Jonny Yull, along with Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, Al-Hassan Toure, and Musa Toure before this cohort.
Outside the Isuzu UTE A-League, a new wave of talent is emerging, looking to make their mark at the professional level, reminiscent of what Harry Crawford and Ryan White achieved in the 2024-25 season.
Garuccio has been making waves in NPLM SA this season, already netting twice at 18 years of age.
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“Joey Garuccio is a highly intelligent player,” said Andrioli.
“I have a great appreciation for players like him. He has a keen understanding of the game, reads situations well, and possesses strong technical skills. His left-footed play adds to his effectiveness.”
“He’s capable of making key passes and finding the back of the net. Currently, we depend on him for assists and goals, and I think a more central role would suit him well.”
“He’s progressing nicely.”
As the match-winning hero, Burkitt has now found the back of the net twice in four senior appearances this term, following three goals in pre-season.
“He has a knack for creating something from nothing. Burkitt possesses great finishing instincts and displays a commendable work ethic, which is crucial for any player,” Andrioli noted.
“While he may have a few weaknesses, his determination to improve makes that a positive, as players with such dedication can continue to grow.”
On the reserve side, Adelaide is soaring in South Australia.
Following a dominant 7-0 victory a fortnight ago, the unbeaten Reds continued their winning streak with a 7-2 triumph over Croydon, placing them fourth in the table, just four points off the leaders.
Ali Mohtashami netted a hat-trick, while Chris Irakoze chipped in with a brace, alongside goals from Mohammad Hassan and substitute Sebastian Tarasenko.
Mohtashami now has five goals for the year, and Andrioli mentioned: “Although Ali has faced some injuries, he possesses a clever instinct that sets him apart.”
Irakoze has also made an impact this season, with three goals in four outings.
“Chris has that x-factor, but now it’s about harnessing that talent effectively as he learns to navigate the more structured play,” the Brazilian coach explained.
“We aim to aid players in being more effective with their skill sets.”
Andrioli emphasised: “They remain raw talents, adjusting to our pace and style, as we encourage them to step outside their comfort zones.”
“They are adapting well and show promise for the future.”
Last-minute Heroics Propel Jets to Their First Win of the Season
Newcastle Jets have taken flight in NPLW NSW with a thrilling victory.
The Jets celebrated their inaugural win of the season with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Bulls FC Academy at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
After losing in the opening round and having their second match postponed, Newcastle turned the tables, thanks to a 91st-minute winner from Alexis Collins.
The Bulls took the lead with a goal from Isabella Coco-Di Sipio in the 16th minute, only for Kate Heap to level for the Jets.
However, the Bulls went into half-time with a 2-1 advantage after Ashlee Brodigan scored right before the break.
Refusing to back down, the Jets equalised nine minutes after the break through Sophie Howarth, setting the stage for Collins’ late heroics.
In other results, Western Sydney Wanderers fell 3-1 to Illawarra Stingrays, with Alyssa McKenzie netting a consolation goal.
NPLM NSW witnessed a mixed bag of results for A-League teams.
Sydney FC halted a four-game winless streak by narrowly defeating Sydney Olympic 2-1.
In action for the Sky Blues were Zachary De Jesus, Tiago Quintal, Jaiden Kucharski, and Wataru Kamijo, while first-half goals from Will Kennedy and Joe Lacey propelled the visitors to victory.
“Sydney Olympic presents a strong challenge in this competition,” reflected Sydney FC head coach Jim van Weeren via Football NSW.
“In the context of teams outside the A-League, they provide a formidable competition. Despite the youth of our players (17, 18, 19 years), we aimed to compete against experienced players effectively.”
“Tonight, they showed their capability and we are very proud of them. It was gratifying to witness a result that reflected their performance, and I’m delighted they secured the win.”
Central Coast Mariners experienced a 1-0 defeat against Sutherland Sharks, while the Western Sydney Wanderers suffered a heavy 6-1 loss to APIA Leichhardt, with Nicholas Badolato netting for the Wanderers.
In the Under-20s, Western Sydney, in second place, bested APIA 2-1 with goals from Bryce Harrison and Tristan Arrarte.
Meanwhile, the five-star Mariners, who sit eighth in the standings, cruised past Sutherland Sharks with a convincing 5-0 victory, highlighted by two quick goals from Fynn Sadler, along with strikes from Xavier Dalpra, Jayden Jensen, and Isaac Kwon.
Junior Conde found the net in Sydney FC’s 1-1 draw with Sydney Olympic.
In Football NSW League One, Bulls FC Academy faced Newcastle Jets in a 1-1 stalemate.
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In their Round 7 matchup, Zane Helweh and Garang Arou exchanged goals.
For the U20s, the Bulls triumphed over the Jets with a scoreline of 4-1.
Levi Sciuriaga netted twice, while Kye Cassar and Lachlan Sattout also scored after Newcastle’s Lucas Johnson had briefly levelled the score.
Melbourne City Remains Unbeaten
Coached by Alessandro Diamanti, Melbourne City has yet to experience defeat in 2025, following a 2-2 draw against FC Melbourne Srbija in VPL1.
City surged ahead with a 2-0 lead within the first 36 minutes, courtesy of goals from Peter Antoniou and Ben Dunbar.
However, Melbourne Srbija managed to equalise with goals in the 83rd and 86th minutes, allowing them to snatch a draw. Despite this, City maintains their second-place standing, just a point shy of the leaders and still unbeaten in seven matches.
Rivals Western United found themselves in a thrilling encounter in Victoria’s second tier on Friday night.
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They battled to a thrilling 4-4 draw against Moreland City in a match filled with excitement.
Mark Leonard, older brother of A-League star Dylan, scored twice, while Jake Najdovski and Luke Vickery also contributed for the visitors.
At the U23 level, Western United and Melbourne City continue to lead the competition.
Unbeaten league leaders Western made it seven victories in seven matches with a narrow 3-2 win over Moreland, thanks to goals from Oliver Dimovski, Erton Sallevski, and Karl Leban.
Second-placed City crushed Melbourne Srbija 13-0.
Four-goal performances were recorded by Jesse Langa and Ahmed Faraz Gulzari, while Julian Recchia scored twice, with Oliver O’Carroll, Farhad Behishti, and Luke Becvinovski also contributing to the scoreline.
In NPLM VIC, Melbourne Victory recorded their second consecutive win with a 2-1 defeat of Melbourne Knights.
Jack Mihailidis and Jesse Hoey were the scorers in this match.
Victory’s U23 team, currently topping the league, also triumphed over Knights 3-2, thanks to two goals from Aaron Bazenski and an additional goal from Nikolas Cevizovic.
In NPLM WA, Perth Glory maintained their perfect record with a comprehensive 4-1 win against Stirling Macedonia.
After a 5-0 victory over Fremantle City, Perth celebrated another convincing win, highlighted by a double from Adam Bugarija along with strikes from Khoa Ngo and Joel Anasmo.
In NPLM QLD, Brisbane Roar saw a 2-1 defeat against Moreton City Excelsior after a two-week break resulting from ex-Cyclone Alfred.
Pearson Kasawaya scored for the Roar.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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