Welcome to Wonderkid Watch! This weekly feature keeps you informed about the emerging players and their stories from A-League clubs competing at the NPL level across Australia.
‘Scary’ Sky Blues talent shining in NPL: ‘We’re truly thrilled’
Marin France, take a bow!
The young star from Sydney FC netted a remarkable solo goal, leading the Sky Blues to a 3-1 victory over St George City FA during NPLM NSW action at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Friday night.
Mathias Macallister opened the scoring just before half-time, followed by an own goal that doubled the advantage during stoppage time, while St George City managed to pull one back in the second half.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
Then, France wrapped up the points with just four minutes left in regulation time.
The highly regarded 18-year-old, who made his senior debut during the 2024 Australia Cup, took possession down the wing, cut into the box, evaded two defenders, and expertly curled the ball into the net.
INTERVIEW: ‘Critical element’ of City’s title win ‘cannot be overlooked’
“Marin is an incredibly exciting talent,” head coach Jimmy van Weeren shared with aleagues.com.au regarding France, who has been part of Sydney FC since October 2019.
“He has a super competitive spirit, and it’s evident every time he trains, whether in the academy or with the first team, that competition brings out the best in him.”
WONDERKID WATCH: Aussie teenager hailed as ‘best I’ve seen’ is racing towards his first A-Leagues contract
“He possesses a strong, innate desire to win. Combine that with his exceptional dribbling skills, explosive pace, and ability to beat players in both directions while shooting with either foot, and it’s no wonder he’s an exciting match-winner.”
“He can score goals like the one he netted against St George FA. He has the capability to come inside, beat one or two, and almost a third, placing the ball into the far post.”
“He’s a really thrilling player with a bright future. When he transitioned to the senior academy at the end of 2023 as a 16-year-old, then turned 17, you could already see his potential.”
“Last year he forced his way into a number of NPL 1 matches at the age of 16, contributing significantly with goals and assists. It’s a positive indication to see a player his age competing against seasoned professionals.”
“During our 2024 trip to Germany, Marin was among the standout players, often competing two years above his age group. Even as a 16-year-old playing against men, he excelled in an Under-19 international tournament, scoring impressive goals and participating in numerous significant plays.”
“In the past year, we’ve been navigating a loading issue stemming from a stress-related back injury.”
“To achieve what he has with limited training and match exposure is truly exciting. We believe his potential is massive. We’re eager to see his contributions to the club as he returns to full fitness over the coming years.”
“At this level, he could be a daunting presence in the league, and we’re genuinely excited about his prospects after nearly six years of development within our club.”
YOUR LEAGUE, MY LEAGUE, OUR LEAGUE: A Grand Final that reminded us why we cherish the game
With two wins in their last four outings, Van Weeren’s Sydney sit eighth in NPLM NSW, trailing six points behind the top six.
Their rivals, Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners, are further down the table after 18 rounds.
Western Sydney faced a 3-1 defeat against Sutherland Sharks, leaving the Wanderers in 14th place in the 16-team league. Awan Lual was on the scoresheet.
They sit seven points clear of the last-placed Central Coast, who fell 1-0 to Blacktown City.
In the Under-20s, the Wanderers are second in the standings.
Western Sydney played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sutherland Sharks. The Wanderers netted three goals in the first half through Luka Knezevic, Marko Radovancevic, and Kaan Nizam before sharing the points.
Sydney FC recently secured a 3-2 win over St George City FA, with Nicholas Zdrillic opening the scoring, followed by an impressive brace from Oscar Gultekin, who clinched the match-winning goal in the dying moments.
LAST-MINUTE THRILLER: Melb City captain’s ‘best week’ propels Socceroos closer to World Cup following 90th-minute heroics
The Mariners triumphed over Blacktown City 4-2, thanks to goals from Ahmad Elhelou, Jye Wark, and Quinlan Barr.
In Football NSW League One, Bulls FC Academy surged to the top of the table after narrowly defeating Bankstown City 2-1.
Ante Vojvodic and an own goal propelled the in-form Bulls to victory away from home, placing them level on points with SD Raiders at 35 from 18 rounds, only behind on goal difference.
Newcastle Jets currently sit in fifth place, seven points adrift of the leaders, following a decisive 4-1 win against UNSW FC.
Highly regarded Oliver Cockle, described as the “best I’ve seen”, showcased his talents with a double, supported by goals from Ethan Debono and Janni Rafty.
In the U20s, Bulls FC Academy holds the top spot, leading five points ahead of the Jets.
Atiya Waraga and Julian Rodriguez propelled the Bulls to a 2-0 victory against Bankstown City, while Newcastle humbled UNSW FC with a staggering 7-0 win. Tommy Edmonds, Lucas Johnson, and Archie Brideson all scored two goals apiece, while Noah Miller also added to the tally.
Stunning free-kick from Auckland’s young star
Step aside for Ralph Rutherford.
The young Kiwi dazzled with a stunning free-kick for Auckland FC’s reserves in New Zealand’s Northern League over the weekend.
ARZANI ANALYSIS: Why the ‘most gifted Australian player’ may soon earn another shot in Europe
Despite Auckland suffering a 3-2 loss to Fencibles United AFC, Rutherford delivered a spectacular moment with a brilliant set-piece in the 86th minute, marking his third goal of the season.
Shivam Nair also found the back of the net for the Black Knights, who are competing this season for the first time.
Auckland FC’s youth programme launched this year, following the club’s historic debut in the Isuzu UTE A-League, with their reserves now competing in the Northern League.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
Under the leadership of head coach Luke Casserly, Auckland FC currently sits in 10th place in the 12-team competition, with three wins from 13 outings.
In terms of performance, Wellington Phoenix had a mixed set of results over the weekend.
In the Central League, the men’s reserves from Wellington secured a 6-0 victory against Upper Hutt City, powered by a double from Ryan Lee along with goals from Daniel Makowem, Lachlan Candy, Mac Munro, and Ryan Watson.
They remain four points behind the leaders, Wellington Phoenix, with eight rounds to go.
Jack Perniskie netted two quick goals, spearheading the U18s to a 5-1 victory over Victoria University, with contributions also from Samuel Law, Alessandro Marchesse, and Grayson Lunman.
The Phoenix’s U18 women experienced a setback, losing 2-1 to league leaders Wellington United.
In NPLM WA, Perth Glory played out a 0-0 draw against Perth SC.
In the U23s, the league-leading Glory surged to a 5-0 triumph over Perth SC, with goals from Cristiano Farfan, Tadiswa Shaun Mutyavaviri, Henri Knight, and Oliver Evans.
In NPLM QLD, Brisbane Roar were edged out 2-1 at home by Lions FC, despite a goal from David Bolongi.
Adelaide’s young star shines
Amlani Tatu showcased his talent once again for Adelaide United, contributing to their 3-0 victory over Adelaide Comets in NPLM SA.
The 16-year-old scored one and assisted another as the Reds dominated during Round 13.
After an own goal opened the scoring in the 76th minute, Tatu found the net ten minutes later with a well-executed finish.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
Tatu later turned playmaker for Brody Burkitt in the 92nd minute, as second-placed Adelaide extended their unbeaten streak to four matches, now eight points behind MetroStars.
Adelaide’s reserves, meanwhile, secured a 4-2 win over the Comets.
Ali Mohtashami, Mohammed Hassan, Mutsa Mupandawana, and Chris Irakoze were all on the scoresheet for the Reds.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
In VPL1, Western United engaged in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Manningham United in Victoria’s second tier.
After leading 3-1 at half-time through goals from Golden Boot leader Alex Marmura, Besian Kutleshi, and Tobias Servin, who netted in a three-minute spell, Western appeared set for victory.
Marmura tallied his second to extend the lead to 4-1 early in the second half, but Manningham mounted an impressive comeback, scoring twice in the final minutes to snatch a point.
The Green and Black now sit in fifth position on the ladder, trailing 12 points from the top.
Melbourne City experienced a setback, losing their unbeaten record and first place following a surprising 2-0 defeat to Moreland City.
Alessandro Diamanti’s City now occupies third place in the standings, three points behind league leaders Bentleigh Greens.
In the U23s, the undefeated Western United continue to lead after their 3-2 victory over Manningham.
Ali Seifeddin, Nahom Yohannes, and Marcus Tavolaro scored for Western, maintaining a four-point advantage over City.
City narrowly edged past Moreland City with a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Julian Recchia and Dion Toro.
In NPLM VIC, Damien Bozinovski scored twice for Melbourne Victory in a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Avondale SC.
Bozinovski thought he had secured at least a point for Victory before Avondale netted a stoppage-time winner.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
In NPLW NSW, the in-form Bulls FC Academy triumphed with a 2-0 win over league leaders Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
Elizabeth Grey’s brace led the Bulls to victory at Northbridge Oval.
The Western Sydney Wanderers drew 1-1 with Manly United, courtesy of a goal from Talia Younis, while Newcastle Jets faced a 6-2 rout at the hands of Northern Tigers despite goals from Annika Driscoll and an own goal.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
