On this week’s episode of Total A-Leagues, retired Socceroo Tommy Oar discussed the success of A-Leagues academies following an historic weekend in Melbourne.
Lawrence Wong’s emergence cannot be understated.
Yes, he is now the youngster goalscorer in Melbourne City’s Isuzu UTE A-League history but it is the significance of what he represents at the club that is perhaps even greater.
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The 17-year-old academy graduate is the first player to have come through City’s entire Player Development Pathway before debuting in the A-Leagues last month.
Jayden Necovski, Peter Antoniou and Lachie Charles have also transitioned from City Football Schools through the club’s academy teams to sign a first-team contract but Wong is the first to appear in the Isuzu UTE A-League after his January bow against Western United.
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It is a theme across the competition in 2024-25, with the likes of Western United, Central Coast Mariners, Adelaide United and Sydney FC benefiting from investing in their academy.
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On this week’s episode of Total A-Leagues, retired Socceroo Tommy Oar was asked about A-Leagues academies after Wong’s history-making performance against Perth Glory in Round 19, heading into Saturday’s blockbuster derby showdown with Melbourne Victory.
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“I think it’s the first time since the A-League has existed, now it’s getting to a point where we’re seeing the second generation of players coming through,” said Oar.
“We’ve obviously seen at other clubs, a lot of A-League players from early days now their son or daughter are playing in the A-League Women or whatever it might be. It’s awesome to see.
“I think in this case, it’s great to see. It’s interesting because if you look at big clubs in Europe, the likes of Ajax, Barcelona – that’s exactly what happens at those clubs.
“From when you’re kind of 10 years old, you’re brought up to play a certain way so that if someone does leave in the transfer window, the next player knows exactly what the expectations are of them if they go onto the field.
“It improves accountability across the board. I think that it’s fantastic and you have to compliment Melbourne City for what a great job they’re doing.”
