Socceroos Squad Selection: A-Leagues ‘Dark Horse’? | The A-Leagues Download Ep.21
Melbourne City striker Marco Tilio is keen to move on from a string of unfortunate injuries and demonstrate his skills on the field, hoping for an eventual call-up to the Subway Socceroos.
The 23-year-old is enjoying his best stretch of consistent match minutes since late 2023 as he prepares for Wednesday’s home encounter with the Newcastle Jets in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
After missing two and a half months of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season due to a hamstring issue, Tilio has made a strong comeback in January, featuring in four consecutive matches, each with 70 minutes or more played—his longest spell of consistent play since the lead-up to the 2023 Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final in mid-2023.
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Now signed with Scottish heavyweights Celtic, Tilio has returned to City on loan this season. Despite a challenging start to 2024-25 due to injuries, he is now enjoying a solid spell in the starting lineup.
“I haven’t had a consistent run in a while, so it’s been really beneficial to get this opportunity to play,” Tilio shared. “I’m someone who just wants to play football, and being sidelined for so many games was difficult. Being back on the pitch and enjoying the game again has been fantastic.”
“I’ve faced numerous injuries, and while I can’t pinpoint the exact reasons, it has been challenging to be away for so long. My focus is on playing football, staying fit and healthy, and doing everything I can to contribute to the team. I’m truly happy to be playing, and I hope to continue throughout the remainder of the season.”
“Rehabilitation can be a lonely time. You find yourself in the gym alone while the team trains without you. On game day, you miss out on that excitement because you’re either sidelined or in the stands. The anticipation can build up over time. However, I’ve maintained a positive mindset, determined to return to my peak performance and stay in top shape.”
“Since I haven’t played many matches, I’m gradually getting back into the rhythm and building my match fitness. That’s crucial; you can only attain match fitness by playing games. I’d say I’m currently at about 70-80%, and I believe I still have more to offer and learn in terms of gameplay.”
“I hope that in the coming month, I’ll be close to 100%, feeling fit and confident as we approach the end of the season.”
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Next on the agenda for Tilio and City is a match against the well-performing Jets at AAMI Park on Wednesday, March 12.
City faced Newcastle in Round 1 of the 2024-25 season, where Tilio’s lone goal secured a 1-0 victory for the Victorian side. He heads into the midweek fixture with two goals in three games.
As Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic prepares to name his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China soon, Tilio understands that consistent match play and maintaining his current form will improve his chances of rejoining the international team. For now, however, his primary focus is on sustaining his performance and consistency.
“My priority has been to play consistently and contribute to the team,” he stated. “I’m trying to string together a series of games and good performances to put myself in contention for selection.”
“Ultimately, I just want to be out there playing football. If an opportunity arises to return to the Socceroos, I would be honoured. But for now, I’m concentrating on Wednesday’s game, putting in a solid performance, and aiming for a win.”
Both City and Newcastle enter Wednesday night’s match as two of the top teams in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The Jets are unbeaten in their last six matches, earning a point against league leaders Auckland FC in Round 22. Head coach Rob Stanton has inspired exciting play from the Jets, propelling them into finals contention.
Meanwhile, City has rectified their form after a mid-season slump. Following a three-game losing streak, Aurelio Vidmar’s team has secured three wins in their last four matches as they prepare for the home game at AAMI Park.
City has achieved victory in their last five home games at the Melbourne venue.
Melbourne City vs Newcastle Jets – Team News
Melbourne City Squad: 2. Callum TALBOT, 6. Steven UGARKOVIC, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 10. Yonatan COHEN, 13. Nathaniel ATKINSON, 16. Aziz BEHICH (C), 17. Max CAPUTO, 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 23. Marco TILIO, 26. Samuel SOUPRAYEN, 27. Kai TREWIN, 30. Andreas KUEN, 33. Patrick BEACH (GK), 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON, 38. Harry POLITIDIS, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 41. Lawrence WONG, 47. Kavian RAHMANI, 50. Mikey GHOSSAINI
(Two to be omitted)
In: 19. Zane SCHREIBER, 35. Medin MEMETI, 36. Harry SHILLINGTON (all promoted).
Out: 22. Germán FERREYRA (concussion)
Unavailable: 8. Jimmy JEGGO (achilles), 15. Andrew NABBOUT (knee), 22. Germán FERREYRA (concussion), 34. Jayden NECOVSKI (knee)
Newcastle Jets Squad: 1. Ryan SCOTT, 4. Phillip ČANČAR, 6. Matthew SCARCELLA, 7. Eli ADAMS, 9. Lachlan ROSE, 10. WELLISSOL, 13. Clayton TAYLOR, 14. Dane INGHAM, 15. Aleksandar ŠUŠNJAR, 17. Kosta GROZOS, 18. Kota MIZUNUMA, 19. Callum TIMMINS, 20. Charles M’MOMBWA, 21. Noah JAMES, 23. Daniel WILMERING, 28. Will DOBSON, 29. Justin VIDIĆ, 33. Mark NATTA, 37. Lachlan BAYLISS, 39. Thomas AQUILINA
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 4. Phillip ČANČAR, 28. Will DOBSON
Outs: 22. Ben GIBSON, 24. Alex NUNES, 44. Ben VAN DORSSEN, 45. Christian BRACCO, 66. Zac BOWLING
Unavailable: 11. Jacob DOWSE, 25. Oscar FRYER
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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