Welcome to Wonderkid Watch: A weekly piece that keeps you up to date with the players and stories emerging from A-Leagues clubs playing at NPL level in Australia.
OPEN LETTER TO A-LEAGUES FANS FROM NICK GARCIA, A-LEAGUES COMMISSIONER
Western youngster fuels mauling of two-time Australia Cup semi-finalists
Before the weekend, Western United had not won a game in VPL1 – the second tier of Victorian football.
But that changed on Friday night as Western humbled Bentleigh Greens 7-1 on the road.
It was seventh heaven, with Jake Najdovski the architect as he scored a hat-trick against the two-time Australia Cup semi-finalists.
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The 18-year-old attacker made it five goals in four VPL1 matches; No other Western player has scored multiple goals this season.
Najdovski, born and bred in the west, is a product of the club’s academy and has already made his A-Leagues debut this season.
After impressing in both the U21 and the U23 teams, he signed his first professional contract in 2022 and made his senior debut in an Australia Cup tie against Edgeworth Eagles last year.
This season, the teenager had his first taste of Isuzu UTE A-League football after coming off the bench against three-time reigning premiers Melbourne City in January. He was also a substitute against Western Sydney Wanderers in the same month.
“This is a special story for us. We strive to give talented young players in the West the chance to represent our Club and Jake has done everything right to earn his opportunities,” general manager of football Mal Impiombato said at the time of Najdovski’s re-signing in September last year.
“His application and attitude have been exemplary ever since he joined the first team and his talent remains at a high level amongst our squad.
“We are eager to continue supporting Jake on his football journey and help him realise his potential at Western United.”
Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City were also victorious in VPL1 over the weekend.
Victory are top of the standings following a 2-0 win over Eastern Lions thanks to goals from Adem Duratovic and Matthew Bozinovski.
As for City, they came from behind to trump Brunswick City 3-2 after Ryan Kalms, Marcus Humbert and Peter Antonlou were on target.
Golazos for the rampaging Bulls
There is no stopping the Bulls FC Academy this season.
Bulls FC were relegated from NPLM NSW to League One and they look determined to bounce straight back; Macarthur FC’s youth team have won all four of their opening four matches.
Joel Bertolissio scored a rocket in the 1-0 victory over Dunbar Rovers to maintain their 100% record.
It comes after Jesper Webber‘s thunderbolt in Round 2.
Webber scored from long range in the 3-1 win away to Dulwich Hill.
Webber has been in and around Mile Sterjovski’s Macarthur side in 2023-24.
The 19-year-old had his first taste of senior football in the 2022 Australia Cup and made one appearance in the Isuzu UTE A-League last season.
This term, he has featured four times in the AFC Cup, while he has been involved in the league.
In NSW League Two, Newcastle Jets are unbeaten through four rounds.
Xavier Bertoncello and Alex Nunes scored for the Jets in a 2-0 triumph away to Prospect United.
Reds prospect scores in a flash and has a celebration to match
This is a new-look Adelaide United in NPL SA this season. After winning the title in 2023, the Reds have a bunch of youthful fresh faces.
Ryan White is among the new batch of Adelaide players trying to make an impact in South Australia.
“I relish the opportunity to challenge young players and witness them rise to the occasion,” Adelaide’s head of youth football Airton Andrioli said recently.
“Reflecting on our past achievements and the club’s unified philosophy, I believe we are on the right trajectory and intend to maintain that momentum.
“This season presents a fresh set of challenges, with a group of less experienced players. While some may not be fully prepared, each match serves as a stepping stone towards our collective objectives.”
While Adelaide lost 5-1 to Modbury Jets over the weekend, the 18-year-old showcased his quality.
White scored inside the opening 50 seconds to give Adelaide the lead – his long-range strike finding the bottom corner of the net.
He celebrated in style with a couple of summersaults.
Five-star Mariners open account as young gun earns plaudits
For the first time in 2024, Central Coast Mariners celebrated an NPLM NSW victory.
The Mariners were too good for Hills United 5-3 in Round 4 after overcoming a 2-1 half-time deficit.
Luka Smyth scored twice, while Bailey Brandtman, Matej Busek and Taye Hedley were on target for Central Coast.
Brandtman, who signed a scholarship contract at the start of the Isuzu UTE A-League season, earned plenty of praise after the game.
The 18-year-old has been a mainstay in the club’s academy over the past season or so, scoring goals for both the first-grade team and the Championship-winning U20 side.
Brandtman – who was part of the Young Socceroos team that participated at the Marbella Week of Football – has made four appearances for the Isuzu UTE A-League champions this season, starting once. He has also featured twice on the road to the AFC Cup Inter Zonal Final.
“You can just see the impact he has on the field and in the change rooms, always bringing a positive attitude and playing a hand in scoring goals or assisting,” Mariners coach Lucas Vilela told NPL NSW.
“I’m lucky to have a player like him and I believe he will have a great career.”
Elsewhere, Marin France scored for Sydney FC but the Sky Blues lost 2-1 to St George FC, while goals via Zachary Sapsford and Nathanael Blair were not enough for Western Sydney Wanderers in a 3-2 defeat to Rockdale Ilinden.
NPLW NSW season gets underway
The NPLW NSW season began over the weekend, and there were two A-Leagues clubs involved.
Bulls FC Academy made the perfect start to 2024 by defeating Blacktown Spartans 3-1.
Grand Finalists in 2023, Bulls FC ran out victors courtesy of an Amber Luchtmeijer brace and a goal from Elizabeth Grey.
This is a Bulls side that will be boosted by the inclusion of Sydney FC sensation Maddie Caspers once her Liberty A-League commitments are over.
Meanwhile, Emerging Jets were beaten 4-0 by Sydney Olympic.
