Former Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Maclaren won a second consecutive NAB Young Footballer of the Year award in the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 Season.
Now, with the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season fast approaching, who are the candidates to claim this prestigious prize in the coming campaign?
Joe Champness (Newcastle)
The young winger has been mightily impressive in pre-season, scoring against Melbourne City, Canberra Olympic and Wellington Phoenix to earn a three-year contract.
Braedyn Crowley (Melbourne City)
The 20-year-old striker joined City last year as a scholarship player and impressed enough for a first-team deal where he’ll push the established front-men for game minutes.
Nick D’Agostino (Brisbane Roar)
The 19-year-old striker showed touches of real quality during his limited opportunities in 2016/17 and will be eyeing the gaps left in Roar’s frontline by the departures of Jamie Maclaren, Brandon Borrello and Thomas Broich.
Thomas Deng (Melbourne Victory)
The 20-year-old was impressive and composed when given his chance as a teenager by Kevin Muscat in the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 Season and returns to Victory after a spell on loan in the Netherlands.
Jordan O’Doherty (Adelaide United)
The teenaged striker featured mainly from the bench for the Reds last season but may have a greater part to play in 2017/18 with the departures of Sergio Cirio, Marcelo Carrusca, Eli Babalj and Riley McGree.
Matt Ridenton (Wellington)
With the departures of midfielders Alex Rodriguez, Vince Lia and Roly Bonevacia, the 21-year-old New Zealand international has a great chance to stake his claim for a regular starting spot.
Kye Rowles (Central Coast)
The 19-year-old left-sided defender has joined the Mariners from Brisbane Roar, having represented Australia at the U17 FIFA World Cup under Central Coast coach Paul Okon.
Marc Tokich (WSW)
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has rare footballing ability and has signed a two-year deal after being named Foxtel National Youth League Player of the Year at the 2017 Dolan Warren Awards Night.
Brandon Wilson (Perth Glory)
After a solid first season, the talented 21-year-old youth international is set to play an even greater role in Glory’s engine-room with the departure of Rostyn Griffiths.
Chris Zuvela (Sydney FC)
The 20 year old midfielder captained his club to 2016 NYL success and impressed off the bench in the recent friendlies against Liverpool and Arsenal, earning his first pro contract.
