If you weren’t familiar with these names before, you’re certainly aware of them now: as we close the book on the 20th season of the Isuzu UTE A-League, let’s spotlight the players who burst onto the scene in 2024-25.
From up-and-coming Aussie talents to a New Zealand international revitalised in Auckland, as well as an unsung hero finally gaining the recognition they deserve, aleagues.com.au highlights one standout player from each club who markedly elevated their profile throughout the 2024-25 season.
ALEAGUES ALUMNI: Former A-Leagues chief awarded Manager of the Month in Japan: “Enjoyable for fans & players”
READ MORE: Tottenham chairman Levy discusses ’emotionally challenging’ Ange Postecoglou departure
Newcastle Jets: Eli Adams
A remarkable season for Newcastle Jets midfielder Eli Adams, characterised by stunning goals, powerful runs, and an astutely cool celebration, has seen him enjoy the best campaign of his career during his first year at the club.
At just 23 years of age, Adams had previously managed only 23 appearances over four seasons with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory before making the move to Newcastle. However, consistent game time under head coach Rob Stanton allowed him to flourish in the Hunter region.
In his inaugural season in Novocastria, Adams made 24 appearances, contributing nine goals and an assist – several of which were truly outstanding efforts.
His stunning solo effort against Newcastle Jets earned him the Goal of the Month award in March; during the season, he netted two goals in three different matches, marking a sensational beginning to his journey with the Jets.
TRANSFER NEWS: Jets defender expected to ‘thrive’ under new management after contract extension
Western Sydney Wanderers: Zac Sapsford
Zac Sapsford is headed to Scotland after a successful three-season stint with Western Sydney Wanderers, having completed a transfer to Dundee United following his most impressive season in Red and Black.
The 22-year-old entered the 2024-25 season with just two goals to his name but concluded the campaign with a remarkable total of 11, including a standout brace in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sydney FC in February’s Sydney Derby.
ON THE MOVE: Wanderers star secures exciting transfer to Scotland following career-best season
A player who delights in scoring against the Wests’ rivals, Sapsford netted three of his nine season goals against the Sky Blues, following his initial two goals last season during two separate Sydney Derbies.
In addition to his nine goals, Sapsford provided four assists as part of a potent Wanderers attack, claiming the eToro Playmaker of the Year award for a magnificent backheeled pass that set up Jack Clisby against the Mariners.
Western United: Dylan Leonard
Seventeen-year-old centre-back Dylan Leonard made significant waves as the standout rising defensive talent in 2024-25 for Western United.
Last month, he made history as the youngest player ever to start an Isuzu UTE A-League Semi-Final, following his earlier achievements as the club’s youngest debutant and goalscorer during the regular season.
Western’s head coach John Aloisi praised Leonard’s remarkable poise, stating, “he surprises me each day with his composure,” a quality that has been evident throughout his debut season.
With 2,421 minutes played across 27 matches, Leonard set the record for the most match minutes by a teenage centre-back in a single season in Isuzu UTE A-League history. Keep an eye on this promising talent.
Auckland FC: Francis De Vries
It’s hard to imagine a more impressive debut season in the Isuzu UTE A-League than that of Francis De Vries.
Joining Auckland FC in 2024 from semi-professional side Eastern Suburbs AFC, De Vries was attempting to make a comeback after suffering an ACL injury in Sweden in 2023.
Once seemingly on the fringe of the All Whites squad, he has since returned to the national team, eagerly anticipating the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup after New Zealand qualified directly through the Oceania Football Confederation.
De Vries earned his return to the All Whites through his stellar performance in the Isuzu UTE A-League, playing a key role in Auckland’s Premiership victory and receiving the Shark Fan Player of the Year award at season’s end for contributing eight assists from left-back while helping to maintain the league’s strongest defence.
From the National League of New Zealand to the elite of the Isuzu UTE A-League and back to international recognition, De Vries’ 2024-25 season has been truly monumental.
Perth Glory: Jaylan Pearman
Perth Glory head coach David Zdrilic made the bold decision to give Jaylan Pearman his Isuzu UTE A-League debut in Round 12, and the talented teenager quickly showcased his special abilities.
Pearman was immediately placed into the starting side against Western United, where he provided Glory captain Adam Taggart with a stunning assist during an eye-catching first display in the league.
Over the latter half of the season, the 18-year-old featured in 12 matches, all starts, finishing with four goals and three assists, earning him the club’s DT38 Young Player of the Year award.
As Pearman enters the off-season out of contract with Glory, he is strongly linked to a move to English club Queens Park Rangers, where he could reunite with fellow Glory academy graduate Daniel Bennie.
SEASON REPORT CARDS:
PART ONE: Your Isuzu UTE A-League side’s season rated
PART TWO: Your Isuzu UTE A-League side’s season rated
PART THREE: Your Isuzu UTE A-League side’s season rated
Melbourne City: Patrick Beach
During the first match of the season against Newcastle Jets, Melbourne City head coach Aurelio Vidmar raised eyebrows by placing veteran goalkeeper Jamie Young on the bench, opting instead for 21-year-old Patrick Beach.
Fast forward through the season, and Beach has emerged as an A-Leagues Champion, playing every minute of City’s impressive 2024-25 campaign, capped off by a Grand Final win against Melbourne Victory where he recorded his 13th clean sheet.
Remarkably, Beach had yet to make a single appearance in the Isuzu UTE A-League before this season.
Brisbane Roar: Samuel Klein
Brisbane Roar’s underwhelming 2024-25 season ended on a positive note, following a four-match unbeaten streak which included three victories, during which 21-year-old midfielder Samuel Klein came to the fore.
Developed through the club’s NPL program, Klein signed a two-year scholarship with the Roar in February and responded to the opportunity by scoring five goals from midfield in his final eight appearances, clinching the club’s Golden Boot for 2024-25.
WHAT A SIGNING! Bosnia youth international becomes ‘pivotal’ first signing of Brisbane Roar’s new era
Central Coast Mariners: Haine Eames
The Central Coast Mariners entered the 2024-25 season as defending Premiers and Champions, yet they experienced a downturn, finishing 10th. However, one bright spot among the disappointments was the emergence of Haine Eames.
Having signed a three-year scholarship deal in June 2024, Eames debuted in Round 1, becoming the youngest player in Mariners’ history to do so at just 16 years old. He continued to break records, becoming the club’s youngest starter against Macarthur in December, where he also scored, claiming the record as the youngest goalscorer.
In February, while facing Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League, Eames was briefly handed the captain’s armband, making him the youngest player to lead the team in a competitive match.
Following this milestone, head coach Mark Jackson clarified that giving Eames the armband was a recognition of his genuine contributions, stating, “It wasn’t a gesture, it was earned.”
“Haine is not only a promising player but is excelling remarkably within the team,” Jackson stated.
“Leadership isn’t merely about volume; it’s about exemplifying standards. Haine embodies this.”
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
Sydney FC: Adrian Segecic
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Adrian Segecic had only scored once for Sydney FC.
By the end of the season, with 24 appearances under his belt, his tally had risen to 14, securing a share of the league’s Golden Boot with an impressive 13-goal haul.
He achieved his first career hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Central Coast Mariners in January, and also delivered a spectacular brace against Auckland FC, bending two near-identical shots past the league’s top goalkeeper, Alex Paulsen.
With interest from European clubs swirling, Segecic made a significant impact at the Sky Blues during the 2024-25 season, solidifying his newfound prominence.
WONDERKID WATCH: Aussie prodigy puts on a masterclass in the NPL
Macarthur Bulls: Kealey Adamson
Kealey Adamson transitioned from Sydney FC to Macarthur Bulls in late 2023, standing at a crucial crossroads in his youthful career that could have led him back to the NPL.
However, under head coach Mile Sterjovski, the 22-year-old fullback has thrived, completing a consistent season with 26 appearances – tied for the most on his team.
Adamson recorded the first two goals of his Isuzu UTE A-League career while providing three assists. His 81 tackles ranked third among all players, while his 52 successful tackles were the second most in the league.
A fierce competitor, Adamson engaged in 320 duels (second in the league) and won possession 132 times, placing him at the top in that regard.
Like Segecic and Pearman from Perth Glory, the Bulls’ fullback is attracting attention from English clubs after experiencing the best season of his young career.
SIGNING NEWS: Macarthur secures championship defender aiming for consecutive titles: ‘Chasing that feeling’
Adelaide United: Archie Goodwin
When Sydney FC’s Segecic concluded the regular season with 13 goals, he became the third-youngest player ever to earn the Golden Boot.
However, this season, the accolade was jointly claimed by Segecic and Archie Goodwin, who, at just 20 years and 178 days, became the youngest player to win the top scoring prize outright.
VISIT THE 2025-26 ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE TRANSFER CENTRE
Goodwin joined Adelaide United from Newcastle Jets ahead of the 2024-25 season. After an injury-plagued start to his career, he enjoyed a consistent stretch of match time under former Reds coach Carl Veart.
His impressive tally of 13 goals included a scoring debut and seven goals in his next ten fixtures, propelling him into Golden Boot contention.
Now that he shares the Golden Boot title with Segecic, Goodwin aims to secure it outright in the 2025-26 season, with new signing and club legend Craig Goodwin eager to support his ambitions.
SEASON REPORT CARDS:
PART ONE: Your Isuzu UTE A-League side’s season rated
PART TWO: Your Isuzu UTE A-League side’s season rated
PART THREE: Your Isuzu UTE A-League side’s season rated
Melbourne Victory: Jordi Valadon
At long last, central midfielder Jordi Valadon is receiving the recognition he deserves for his diligent efforts alongside fellow recently-capped Subway Socceroo Ryan Teague in the midfield for Melbourne Victory.
Valadon has been a vital contributor to Victory’s push towards the previous two Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Finals, having formed a formidable partnership with Teague in the heart of Victory’s midfield.
Characterised as an “unsung hero” during the 2025 Finals Series, Valadon delivered two assists in a surprising 2-0 Semi-Final victory over Premiers Auckland FC, knocking out the tournament favourites as Victory advanced to the title clash against Melbourne City.
This match marked the highlight of Valadon’s career to date; his midfield partner Teague is now a regular for the Socceroos, and with continued development, Valadon stands a strong chance of entering the conversation for international selection.
LONG-TERM DEAL: Victory retain Brazilian import with a multi-year contract: ‘Hungry for more success’
BOS DEPARTS: From debut to Bundesliga transfer in 474 days: Aussie talent realises planned meteoric rise
Please feel free to reach out if you require further modifications or additional content!
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
