The Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 may have only just wrapped up but we have already seen some incredible performances from some PS4 NPL and lower-league players.
The Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 may have only just wrapped up but we have already seen some incredible performances from some PS4 NPL and lower-league players.
The beauty of the competition is that it allows existing and emerging talent a platform to shine on the big stage and put themselves in the shop window for higher honours.
And as we’ve seen with the likes of Jai Ingham (Melbourne Victory) and Danny Choi (Adelaide United), players who impress in the PS4 NPL and FFA Cup are every chance to earn a gig with a Hyundai A-League club.
With that in mind, we take a look at five of the hottest attackers banging on the door for a crack at Australia’s elite domestic competition.
JOEY GIBBS
The Blacktown City striker has had previous A-League experience with Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets but never really established himself as a regular starter.
But two goals and a man-of-the-match performance in City’s 3-2 upset win Central Coast Mariners in the FFA Cup Round of 32 showed he’s more than capable of another shot at the A-League.
Netted 12 goals in 22 matches to help Blacktown City finish second in the PS4 NPL NSW this season.
MILOS LUJIC
Another who’s had A-League experience with Wellington Phoenix, Lujic is a goal-machine at Victorian NPL powerhouse South Melbourne.
The prolific striker netted an impressive 15 goals in 23 goals this season to help his side to second spot on the ladder heading into the final round.
The 27-year-old scored the dramatic winner to send South Melbourne into the FFA Cup Round of 16 at the expense of Edgeworth Eagles.
JARROD KYLE
A hat-trick in Gold Coast City’s 3-1 win over Western Knights in the Round of 32 is sure to have caught the eye of Hyundai A-League scouts.
The 24-year-old has previous A-League experience with Sydney FC and spent time in England with Sheffield Wednesday as a youngster.
Has netted 11 goals in 19 games in the NPL Queensland competition this season.
KENNY ATHIU
Known as ‘King Kenny’, the powerful Heidelberg United striker put his name up in lights with a cracking finish in the Victorian outfit’s stunning Round of 32 win over Perth Glory.
The Heidelberg frontman is the equal leading scoring in the Victorian NPL this season with 17 goals in 25 matches.
With strength, power and pace, the striker has all the ingredients for a shot at the A-League.
PATRICK ANTELMI
The 23-year-old has built an impressive reputation as a goal-poacher in the NSW NPL with Blacktown City and now Wollongong Wolves over the past couple of seasons.
Scored a hat-trick at the weekend against Sydney FC to take his tally to nine goals from 21 matches this campaign.
He signed with Portsmouth as a 15-year-old and also spent time with Leeds United and Wigan Athletic as a youngster but it never quite worked out for the striker in the UK.
Could the A-League give him a second chance?
