Network 10/Paramount+ experts Luke Wilkshire and Roy O’Donovan choose the Under-23 player from each club they think will star in the coming Isuzu UTE A-League campaign, which kicks off this Friday.
Adelaide United
Luke Wilkshire: Jonny Yull
We’ve seen glimpses of him in the A-League and with the Young Socceroos but what really strikes me is his vision in midfield, his understanding of the game and his awareness, big things in someone so young.
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Roy O’Donovan: Nestory Irankunda
We’ve already seen that he’s got lighting in his boots and the fans love him. This could be the standout season where he makes 20 starts and delivers on that potential.
Brisbane Roar
Luke Wilkshire: Jez Lofthouse
I was torn between Lofthouse and Thomas Waddington but Lofthouse is an exciting, attacking player, full of flair. He’s done really well in the NPL in Brisbane and I’ve enjoyed seeing him get a taste of the A-League.
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Roy O’Donovan: Thomas Waddingham
A striker with a big frame, looks very calm and like he’s got a good mentality at just 18. Brisbane aren’t putting too much pressure on him but as a local boy the fans will love him.
Central Coast Mariners
Luke Wilkshire: Bailey Brandtman
He’s in the NPL squad but I know he’s training with the first team and I dare say we’ll see him at some point this season. As a left-footer, he’s a wide player who can just glide past people. He can finish with his right foot but his left foot is a bit of a wonder.
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Roy O’Donovan: Miguel Di Pizio
An attacking player who, at 17, can play in any of the wide positions with pace and make a goal. If he gets a chance I wouldn’t be surprised if former boss Nick Montgomery didn’t try a cheeky transfer bid.
Macarthur FC
Luke Wilkshire: Raphael Borges Rodrigues
I’m really interested to see how he can go now if he gets the chances he didn’t have at Melbourne City. He’s another one that I’ve seen in the Young Socceroos setup; he’s quick, he’s direct, he can go past people and create.
Roy O’Donovan: Oliver Jones
He had a little bit of a sniff last year, started a few games but for me went under the radar. A centre-back at 188cm, he’s quite quick, technical and tough – he’s got a bright future.
Melbourne City
Luke Wilkshire: Max Caputo
I’m a big fan. We’re seeing him start to get minutes already in the Australia Cup with Melbourne City and he’s already their youngest goalscorer. It’s a big breakout season I believe for this young centre-forward to make his mark.
Roy O’Donovan: Max Caputo
A completely different player to City’s 20-goal-a-year man Jamie Maclaren. Caputo is a big boy, an attacking player who offers a physical and direct threat.
Melbourne Victory
Luke Wilkshire: Franco Lino
A natural left back who’s athletic and powerful, he had the opportunity to go to Europe but felt that it was right to stay at Victory. So I really hope they show the faith in him to get minutes in the A-League.
Roy O’Donovan: Nishan Velupillay
We’ve seen glimpses of him but he hasn’t found enough consistency yet – some weeks 9/10, some 5/10. He’s quick, he plays out wide, he can score on his day but needs to put it all together.
Newcastle Jets
Luke Wilkshire: Lachlan Bayliss
I worked with him briefly in the Mariners setup – has great ability, can create and score with both feet. Has been itching for an opportunity in the A-League and with the Jets has the chance to show that he’s at that level.
Roy O’Donovan: Lachlan Bayliss
Jets have been crying out for a player that can link the play since Daniel Penha left. I’m hearing some really good things about him as a player who can supply the attacking players.
Perth Glory
Luke Wilkshire: Joseph Forde
As a full-back he’s had minutes here and there over the past couple of seasons, without being a regular. Can legitimately play on the left or right, great versatility and has a coach now in Alen Stajcic who doesn’t mind giving kids a go.
Roy O’Donovan: Adam Zimarino
Notable for a couple of great goals last year so he’s shown that he can handle it at this level. New coach Alen Stajcic likes a young player and Glory fans need a local bright hope – even with a mullet.
Sydney FC
Luke Wilkshire: Jake Girdwood-Reich
Naturally a holding midfielder, we’ve seen him playing in the Australia Cup at centre-back and I think he’s been phenomenal. He’s solid, no-nonsense, and he and Jack Rodwell looked very solid in the Australia Cup until Rodwell’s injury.
Roy O’Donovan: Jake Girdwood-Reich
He’s done the hard yards with the NPL team. He’s a defensive midfielder by trade, but Steve Corica seems to trust him at centre-back which says a lot. Could be a regular this year, especially given Rodwell’s injury record.
Wellington Phoenix
Luke Wilkshire: Sam Sutton
Illness hit him last year and he lost his spot to Lucas Mauragis but Sutton is one of the best crossing fullbacks in the competition, borne out by a completion rate last year getting close to 50%. With Mauragis back at the Jets this year, it’s Sutton’s turn to shine.
Roy O’Donovan: Ben Old
At 21 he’s played 42 A-League games, so not a huge amount but this could be a breakout year. He’s got a bit of pace, he’s got a trick and he’s creative.
Western Sydney
Luke Wilkshire: Alex Badolato
There’s a few kids at Western Sydney I’d like to see get a chance but Badolato more than any other. He’s a winner, technically incredible – physically he needs to grow but playing regularly in the A-League will help him to deal with that.
Roy O’Donovan: Dylan Pierias
Still very young, though seems to have been around forever. Has the pace defenders hate in a number of positions: striker, right winger, right back.Just needs consistency.
Western United
Luke Wilkshire: Noah Botic
We saw last year the ability he has in front of goal – strikers feed on confidence, especially when they’re young, and I think his work last year will set him up to score goals regularly in this campaign.
Roy O’Donovan: Noah Botic
Aleksandar Prijovic leaving gives him breathing space and he looks like the type of striker who just likes to score, just put the ball in the box for him and he’s a really good finisher.
