Last season Riley McGree and Jonathan Aspropotamitis were among the youngsters to rise to prominence during the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 campaign.
Who is set to make their mark in 2017/18? We put the spotlight on five rising stars.
Jake Brimmer (Perth Glory)
The 19-year-old has spent the last three years in the youth squad at Liverpool after he was first spotted when the Reds came to Melbourne in 2014.
Renowned for his football intelligence, passing range and technical ability, the talented midfielder has returned home and is set to catch the eye out west this season.
Daniel De Silva (Central Coast Mariners)
One of Australian football’s brightest young prospects has returned to Australia after an overseas stint with Roda JC.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder became the second-youngest Hyundai A-League player ever when he debuted for Perth Glory before he’d turned 16, and will be looking to kick-start his career in Gosford this summer.
Charles Lokolingoy (Sydney FC)
The 20-year-old emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo aged 11, and emerged through the youth ranks of the Sky Blues, before securing his first professional contract.
The imposing striker enjoyed a strong Foxtel National Youth League 2016/17 season, helping guide the Sky Blues to consecutive Grand Finals, following on from a phenomenal PlayStation 4 NPL 2 season in 2016, where he finished as the league’s top scorer with 27 goals in 28 games.
Sarpreet Singh (Wellington Phoenix)
The drums have been beating for some time in New Zealand for the youth international midfielder, who has signed a three-year deal with the Phoenix.
Blessed with an excellent first touch and ability to unlock defences with precise passes, big things are expected of the 18-year-old in his first full Hyundai A-League season.
Marc Tokich (Western Sydney Wanderers)
An impressive 2016/17 season with the FFA Centre of Excellence in Canberra saw Tokich crowned the Foxtel National Youth League Player of the Year at the Dolan Warren Awards.
The 18-year-old midfielder was selected for a Young Socceroos training camp in February and has signed a two-year deal at Western Sydney.
