After last season’s grandstand finish coming down to the final matchday, we are set for the drama to go up a notch for the 2023 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
Not only will there be an extended season to 30 rounds, but there are now 16 teams battling it out for the premiership.
Ambitions are high among this year’s competition with the recruitment of some big names as well as some fresh talent on the scene, here’s what to expect in 2023.
FIXTURES: 2023 NPL NSW Men's Full Draw
APIA Leichhardt
The expectation at APIA is clear – after finishing fifth last season, the side are intent on taking out the title in 2023.
While the core of the squad will remain the same for this season, coach Franco Parisi has brought in a few new names to push them closer to the top of the table.
From the Coach: Franco Parisi
“It’s been the same foundation, same core group of players and same philosophy of the club.
“A big part of our success over the years has been a core playing group, but also a culture within the dressing room, within the club and it’s not just a culture of winning, but it’s a culture of working together, of respecting each other.
“The team will be pushed towards intensity and direct football.
“The main focus in terms of ball possession is moving the ball really quickly.
“Defensively, working as a very tight group and keeping the field as tight as possible.
“We will be pushing to win the competition, there’s no doubt in our minds that’s the objective.
One to Watch
Off the back of an exceptional preseason, Jack Stewart is tipped to have a defining impact in attack for the side.
The striker will be an exciting watch with his willingness to commit defenders and his directness in forward areas.
Rising Star
Hopes are high for promising teenager Franco Farinella who has come through the youth system at APIA.
The central midfielder’s ability to retain and win possession will be a real asset for the side in 2023 as he looks to push his way into the team.
Key signings
Jack Stewart, Anthony Sparacino, Dakota Askew
The 2023 Team
Ivan Necevski, Paul Galimi, Joshua Symons, Nick Azzone, Diego Celis, Jason Romero, Jack Armson, Themba Muata-Marlow, Sean Symons, Adrian Ucchino, Fabian Monge, Michael Kouta, Yianni Nicolaou, Corey Biczo, Franco Farinella, Harry Stavris, Aedon Kyra, Anthony Sparacino, Jack Stewart, Anthony Bouzanis, Dakota Askew
Blacktown City FC
With last season’s NPL NSW grand final triumph still fresh in the minds of the Blacktown City faithful, the side will look to pursue success once again in 2023
Coach Mark Crittenden has shown faith in the same group of players that delivered silverware in 2022, meaning no new recruits.
Stability looks to be the key for Blacktown heading into the new season.
From the Coach: Mark Crittenden
“We want to play really good football and be an attacking team.
“We’ve stuck with the majority of what we had. We’ve lost a couple of guys that have gone elsewhere, but that’s something that we’ve dealt with over the years.
“They’re a very close-knit group – a lot of them have known each other for quite a while.
“Nothing will change for us – work hard, great work ethic, but I think above all, play some really good footy and be an attacking team that people want to watch.
“I’ve always been a believer in defence wins you competitions.
“I think we leaked a few too many goals last year.
One to Watch
A big boost for Crittenden is having star attacker Danny Choi coming into 2023 with a full preseason under his belt.
With the mazy winger missing out on a lot of football last season, he has the potential to offer Blacktown further attacking impetus this time around.
Rising Star
Young gun Carlos De Oliveira is set to get more first-grade minutes this season with a chance to make himself a permanent fixture of Crittenden’s lineup.
Key Signings
N/A
The 2023 Team
Adam Berry, Ben Berry, Tyren Burnie, Lachlan Campbell, Daniel Collins, Danny Choi, Carlos De Oliveira, Caleb Jackson-Brown, Matthew Lewis, Grant Lynch, Travis Major, Mitchell Mallia, Charles Mendy, Jak O’Brien, Nicholas O’Brien, Tristan Prendergast, Mario Shabow, Jordan Smylie, Cadyn Henderson, Jacob Fernandez
Bulls Academy FC
It was a year of swings and roundabouts for the Bulls in 2022, however, another crop of promising youngsters offers a chance to turn their fortunes around.
Despite finishing second last, it was a strong end to last season, going unbeaten in four of their last five matches.
Former Socceroo goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac is set to take charge of the side for 2023 after outgoing coach Mile Sterjovski was promoted to head coach of parent club Macarthur FC in the A-League Men.
The NPL competition will be a valuable proving ground for the young Bulls looking to step up into the professional set-up, considering Sterjovski has worked closely with this Bulls Academy team.
From the Coach: Mile Sterjovski (comments before he was appointed Macarthur FC’s first grade coach)
“I think we’re a team that’s capable of beating any team in the league and the one thing we’ve sort of struggled with as a team is the consistency.
“All our players are young and hungry and they’re all capable of stepping up to the next level.
“We want to try and help each player, each individual, improve and give them every chance to make it as professionals.
One to Watch
Diego Bonilla was the joint top goal scorer for the Bulls in 2022 and will likely again be key to unlocking opposition defences.
The attacker started last season on fire scoring five in his first five including back-to-back braces.
Rising Star
Teenage attacker Ayman Gulasi will be one to watch in 2023 having already represented Australia in the AFF U-16 Youth Championship last year.
The forward’s ability take players on makes him an exciting watch as he looks to nail down some first-team minutes this season.
Key Signings
Mabior Garang, Lachlan Macdonald, Adrian Knez
The 2023 Team
Mabior Garang, Mason Wells, Charlie Ragg, Ayman Gulasi, Lachlan Macdonald, Jonathan Ante, Maras, Marcus Sparacino, Adrian Knez, Jordan Ivancic, Sebastian Hernandez, Theph Theph, Ante Krilic, Joel Bertolisso, Rhys Youlley, Diego Bonilla, Ali Auglah,
Central Coast Mariners FC
One of the new teams in the NPL this year, the Mariners join the competition as FNSW League One Men’s premiers after edging past fellow new boys St George City on goal difference.
Former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire joins on as coach for 2023 after a successful four years at the Wollongong Wolves, including NPL NSW Premiership in 2019.
From the Coach: Luke Wilkshire
“I’m excited about the group of players that we have, that I’ve come into work with. They are a very talented young group of players that have promising futures ahead of them.
“I’ve always said that football is a source of entertainment and people need to enjoy watching these players play and that’s the way we will play.
“These guys are here to develop, to learn and grow so we look to improve them day in day out both on and off the field to prepare them for professional football, but at the same time, part of their development is winning.
One to Watch
With great depth among the squads at the Central Coast Mariners, there will be plenty of players vying for places in the NPL NSW first-grade team.
Yinka Sunmola has been impressive for the Mariners in preseason, coming across from Mount Druitt Town Rangers.
The forward will be a likely goal threat for Wilkshire’s men.
Rising Star
16-year-old Ben Dunbar has been receiving minutes for the Mariners’ first-grade side in preseason and will continue to knock on the door for further game time throughout the year.
Key Signings
Yinka Sunmola, Giani Di Pizio, Miguel Di Pizio
The 2023 Team
James Bayliss, Jakob Cresnar, Sasha Kuzevski, Zac Zoricich, Josh Hong, Dean Larson, Jordan Segreto, Yinka Sunmola, Marko Arambasic, Ben Duncan, Lachlan Bayliss, Maksim Kasalovic, Dylan Susovic, Jakov Malbasa, Patrick Beach, Aidan Milicevic, Gianni Di Pizio, Miguel Di Pizio, Nicholas Duarte, Aydan Hammond, Will Arnold, Bailey Brandtman
Manly United FC
More of the same is expected at Manly after the side’s fairytale run to the NPL NSW grand final in 2022.
The side will be hoping for a happier ending this year though, with topping the competition as the goal for new coach Patrick Zwaanswijk.
From the Coach: Patrick Zwaanswijk
“We haven’t changed much of the squad. We’ve rewarded a lot of the players that performed last year.
“I explained to the club that I’m not there to change anything, to add anything.
“I have the expectation to win the league even though I know it is a very hard competition. I believe it’s even more competitive than the A-League.
“It’s always going to be a challenge just to be able to compete at the highest level for a longer period of time.
“I want them to play freely, to feel they are supported by us, the coaching staff and that all the responsibility is on me.
One to Watch
The talented Seiya Kambayashi will be a versatile option for Zwaanswijk, capable of playing in several positions across the team.
The Japanese was one of the standouts for Manly in 2022 with his professionalism and work rate important attributes.
Rising Star
The promising Harry McCarthy rejoins Manly for 2023 with the ALM hopeful capable of bossing the midfield for the side.
Key Signings
Levi Kaye, Harry McCarthy, Bilal Belkadi
The 2023 Team
Alen Aganovic, Finn Ashton, Tom Fay, Dom Ferguson, Jack Greenwood, Seiya Kambayashi, Ben Koop, Bruno Mendes, Jimmy Oates, Kieran Paull, Jesse Piriz, Lucas Rainbird, Nick Rainbird, Kristian Santich, Matt Sim, Bilal Belkadi, Levi Kaye, Harry McCarthy
Marconi Stallions FC
Expectations remain high for the Stallions after finishing just a point off the premiership in 2022.
Coach Peter Tsekenis has brought in a raft of new signings for this year while keeping the same solid base of players that made the side so competitive last season.
In mind of a longer season in the NPL NSW this time, Marconi’s squad features greater strength in depth, with the aspiration of glory in 2023.
From the Coach: Peter Tsekenis
“We’re a much younger squad, we’ve got a bigger squad – more depth.
“We’ve got a mixed array of players that have played at a high level and really good young guys that are coming through the system that have already been identified by clubs at a higher level.
“We’ll be hungry, we’re looking to go one better.
“We’ve got quite a few new faces, younger guys and the guys who were with us [last season] that have done a reasonably good job they’re all looking to put their hand up to start, to play first and hold their position.
“Competition for places is important as well, so that’s what we’ve created.
“We probably leaked a little more than we wanted to, so we’ve strengthened in that area, defensively to make sure we don’t concede as many.
“I think we have goals in us. I think we’re solid. I think the way the team is set up this season, we’ll be very hard to beat.
One to Watch
Kyle Cimenti will be one to watch eagerly this season, with his quality presenting the Stallions with another threat in their attacking lineup.
The forward joins from Sydney United 58 and has previously shown electric form in the NPL NSW in seasons past.
Rising Star
Jordan Swibel is an exciting acquisition for Marconi, with the attacker joining after spells in ALM academy set-ups at Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Swibel has the potential to light up the competition in 2023 and will challenge for a place in Tsekenis’ team come round one.
Key Signings
Kyle Cimenti, Jordan Swibel, Hiroaki Aoyama
The 2023 Team
Marko Jesic, Dominic Costanzo, Nathan Millgate, Chris Hatfield, Liam Youlley, Taylor McDonald, Giorgio Speranza, Roberto Speranza, Sam Gulisano, Brandon Vella, Martin Fernandez, Dominic Brischetto, Justin Vidic, Luke Raso, Luka Knezevic, Daniel Bouman, Jordan Swibel, Hiroaki Aoyama, Kyle Cimenti, Liam McGing, Nathan Foster, Jack Gibson
Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC
The Rangers are keen to build on a strong finish to last season and a positive preseason, pushing up towards the top of the league in 2023.
Coach Stewart Montgomery has looked to instil a core set of team-based values in the side and has recruited some new names to help achieve this.
From the Coach
“From a 2023 perspective, we are looking at a combined team effort that reflects a desire and a hunger to achieve something special.
“Making the team focus more important than the individual and making sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities within that team environment.
“We’ve got a very defined way of playing at Rangers. Those that play against us know how we play.
“That’s about a collective focus in possession and out of possession. How we influence the game when we don’t have the ball and that personal sacrifice on the field for the team outcome.
“We’ve set ourselves a top of the table finish in terms of being in the top five. From there, anything can happen. We want to put ourselves in a position in the opening rounds to be forward looking and not be worried about what’s coming at us.
One to Watch
The experienced Junior Sena is a high-profile pickup for the Rangers offering the side further quality in the forward areas.
The winger joins with high pedigree having featured extensively in Portuguese professional football.
Rising Star
Stefan Nikolic will have the opportunity to earn his place in the Mount Druitt team for this season.
The youngster is stepping up from an ALM academy set-up and will be getting a taste of senior football in 2023.
Key Signings
Nikola Djordjevic, Junior Sena, Jackson Bandiera
The 2023 Team
Tarek Elrich, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Junior Sena, Cooper Coskerie, Bobby Fanella, Dylan Niski, Anthony Frangie, Jason Perez, Danial Dias, Rhett Dasilva, Jared Macerola, Nikola Djordjevic, Jacob Esposito, Stefan Nikolic, Suliman Bangura, Anthony Gallo, William Harvey, Ivan Sunjic, Daniel Jin, Abdul Faisal
NWS Spirit FC
NWS Spirit were the surprise package of 2022, achieving a place in the Australia Cup round of 32 as well as claiming the Waratah Cup.
The newly promoted Spirit should not be taken lightly and will likely cause plenty of upsets in 2023, having already toppled some of the NPL NSW’s powerhouses last season.
From the Coach: David Perkovic
“I’m not one to pigeonhole ourselves to where we will finish on the ladder, I think we’ve shown that we’re capable of great things.
“We’ll draw on that experience of winning the Waratah Cup and that experience of the round of 32 [of the Australia Cup] and what we’ve accomplished to achieve those targets.
“Instead of looking at who we’re up against, it’s about ourselves and making sure every time we get on to the field, whether that be a training session or a fixture, we’re just trying to improve on the way we execute our processes on the pitch.
“As long as we continually have that mindset of always trying to be better, then I think that’s the best way to approach the season.
One to Watch
Michael Konestabo was the star for Spirit in 2022, including scoring the opening goal in the side’s Waratah Cup final triumph.
The attacker contributed 11 goals last season in the FNSW League One and will be one of the main threats going forward for Spirit.
It’s a step up for Konestabo this season, however, if he hits the ground running, he could be one of the standout players in the competition for 2023.
Rising Star
Returning junior Kyle Shaw has shown great promise in preseason after a productive season with the club’s under-18s team in 2022.
The former Sydney FC youngster has been given the opportunity to prove himself in first grade this campaign.
Key Signings
Jacob Madden, Matthew Cahill, Ollie Wiggin
The 2023 Team
Chris Marques, Corey Kavanagh, Blake Ilitch, Kyle Shaw, Musashi Kokubo, Kota Odakura, Louis Bozanic, Michael Konestabo, Abuzar Awaz, Jordan Gomez, Mitchell Davidson, Dominic Johns, Richie Darko, Jacob Madden, Simon Nicholas, Jared Lum, George Kriezis, Frederico Gagliano, Matthew Cahill, Ollie Wiggin, Luiz Lobo
Rockdale Ilinden FC
After a disappointing campaign for Rockdale missing out on finals football in 2022, new coach Paul Dee will be keen to turn over a new page in the club’s history.
Dee has managed to hold onto several of the key figures of last season while adding a sprinkling of quality and experience in recruits.
From the Coach: Paul Dee
“We’re just going to try and adopt our playing model to improve on historical results.
“We’re a possession-based team that want to play an attacking style of football, but at the same time we’re still resolute in defence and we’re a high-tempo team that wants to apply pressure on opponents as they play.
“We want to be a very disciplined team that still has a lot of confidence in our own ability and a lot of belief in our style of football that’s going to be hard to play against and win us a lot of football games.
“I think some of those values – discipline, hard work and confidence, they’re probably three that will hold you in good stead in this competition.
“In all facets of the game, we want to show improvement on what we had from previous years at the club. If that means the position on the ladder improves, that’s great but we want to have better attacking records, better defensive records, we want to have a high level of inputs by data than what we’ve had in previous seasons.
One to Watch
It is a big win for Rockdale to keep hold of star forward Alec Urosevski for 2023.
He finished second on the top scorer charts in the competition last season, being one of only two players to score at least 20 goals.
The marksman’s sharp shooting contributed to just over half of Rockdale’s goals for the 2022 season, highlighting his irreplaceable role in the team.
Rising Star
Lachlan Constable joins the side straight from the Western Sydney Wanderers academy and has taken to first-grade football at Rockdale well.
The midfielder will look to work his way into Dee’s first-team plans with places up for grabs.
Key Signings
Nikola Ujdur, Lachlan Constable, Mathieu Cordier, Loic Puyo
The 2023 Team
Alec Urosevski, Bai Antoniou, Jaden Casella, Peter Kekeris, Mo Ahmed, Nikola Kuleski, Will Mutch, Brayden Sorge, Daniel Petkovski, David Bradasevic, Lachie Griffiths, Ricardo Rizzo, Mathieu Cordier, Nikola Ujdur, Lachlan Constable, Isaac Danzo, Brendon Cholakian, Olavo De Andrede Santos, Loic Puyo
St George City FC
It’s been a meteoric rise for St George City, achieving promotion to the NPL NSW after being formed less than eight years ago.
The side have flown through the divisions and made history for the club claiming the FNSW League One title.
Mirko Jurilj has recruited extensively in the offseason to give the club the best chance of success in 2023.
From the Coach: Mirko Jurilj
“I think we’ll show a lot of fight, heart and desire this season.
“We’ve brought in quite a number of new players this year.
“First and foremost, we need to avoid relegation, the ultimate aim is to remain in the competition for season 2024.
“We’re under no illusions how tough the league will be given the fact we are a newly promoted club.
“We’re realistic, and we understand that there are a lot of established clubs that play in this league.
“Our aim is just to stay up in the league and consolidate what we’ve done.
One to Watch
Kosta Petratos will offer valuable top-level quality to the City frontline in their maiden voyage in the NPL NSW.
The forward joins this season with plenty of experience in the ALM, most recently with the Newcastle Jets.
Rising Star
Former Western Sydney Wanderer Aiden Mostofi will be seeking game time under Jurilj, with the teenage attacker getting his first taste of the NPL NSW in 2023.
Key Signings
Makis Petratos, Kosta Petratos, Dean Pelekanos, Pedro Ferrari
The 2023 Team
Mackenzie Syron, Brendan Hooper, Alex Kyriacou, Tarik Ercan, Matthew Keremelevski, Paolo Mitry, Nathan Roberts, Josh Keremelevski, Jordan Morfitis, Jack Kenny, Daniel Alessi, Franco Maya, Dean Pelekanos, Makis Petratos, Kosta Petratos, Dominic Cox, Aiden Mostofi, Marley Peterson, Andrew Vlahadamis, Thomas Lopez, Dylan Craus, Stavros Palapanis, Julian Dal Bianco, Pedro Ferrari, Presley Ortiz
Sutherland Sharks
The Sharks are aiming to be much more competitive in the league this season after finishing at the bottom of the table in 2022.
Damir Prodanovic has come in as coach for the new season and has recruited a few new faces as well as implementing a more dominant playing style to rectify last season’s disappointment.
From the Coach: Damir Prodanovic
“We’ve brought in a lot of new faces aiming to get the boys playing to the style of football and identity we want to play.
“There’s been a fairly large turnover of players. I would say the main change will be playing style, keeping in mind that we want to get results – we need to get results and to get Sutho back to the glory days because it’s a huge club that’s had a lot of success in the league.
“The main thing for us is getting the boys to play together, playing to a brand that we want to be defined as.
“We will look to show that with our performances, but the major thing is controlling, dominating the game and playing in the opponents’ half and promoting a very attacking brand of football.
“Looking to play forward as quickly as possible and getting the boys to enjoy having the ball.
One to Watch
An important task for Prodanovic will be ensuring he gets the best out of star midfielder Nick Sullivan.
The former ALM playmaker has the potential to run the show from the middle of the park for the Sharks and will be important to the success of the Sutherland-based team.
Rising Star
Talented attacker Connor Rose joins from Western Sydney Wanderers after a superb season in FNSW League One, scoring nine goals.
The youngster will be hoping to hit the ground running at the NPL level in 2023.
Key Signings
Hamish Lamberton, Jordan Roberts, Mitchell Stamatellis
The 2023 Team
Jacob Cremen Cowen, Nick Sullivan, Chris Lindsay, Nelson Lam, Luke Seaur, Evan Ball, Marko Bulic, Jordy Roberts, Fumoto Kamada, Nathan Grimaldi, Mitchell Stamatellis, Louis Khoury, Brody Clarkson, Alexander Brown, Connor Rose, Hamish Lamberton
Sydney FC
There was plenty to shout about for Sydney FC in 2022 flying out of the blocks losing only one of their first nine matches.
With the young Sky Blues showing their capabilities in the division, the challenge becomes whether they can sustain their form over the extended season in 2023.
Coach Jimmy van Weeren will have another set of high-potential youngsters for the new season, eying up another special season.
From the Coach: Jimmy van Weeren
“Last year was a real message that we’re capable of more than competing in this league, even though we are an under-20s team.
“It gives us belief that we can really compete and try and push to be in the top group of teams for this year.
“As often as possible, we like to follow our ALM first team in terms of what they’re doing, but also with some flexibility to put the players in the position on the field where they can really showcase their x-factor most.
One to Watch
Clayton Taylor will be involved with the NPL NSW side again in 2023, and the 19-year-old will be looking to dominate the middle of the park.
Rising Star
Teenagers Alen Harbas and Luka Smyth will both have increased roles with the first-grade team this year after successful seasons with under-20s last year.
Both players will hope to force their way into van Weeren’s first-team plans for 2023.
Key Signings
Bailey Callaghan, Max Buratto
The 2023 Team
Adam Pavlesic, Harry Aquilina, Kealey Adamson, Cameron Fong, Dejan Bakrdanikoski, Hayden Matthews, Nathan Paull, Joey Calusic, Jayden Trenkoski, Max Buratto, Oscar Priestman, Matthew Scarcella, Louis Agosti, Zane Schreiber, Ben Gibson, Clayton Taylor, Luka Smyth, Alen Harbas, Brae Ovens, Bailey Jacobs, Ayouk Mow, Max Buratto, Bailey Callaghan
Sydney Olympic
After claiming the premiership last season, Olympic have signalled their intention to be right up there again in 2023 under coach Labinot Haliti.
With another star-stuttered squad this time around, expectations will be high for the side to retain their title.
From the Coach: Labinot Haliti
“We have lost some good players, but we’ve replaced them with some really, really good experienced players and professionals.
“Olympic’s always been there for as long as I can remember even when I was a junior, the club was always at the top.
“It’s no different to any other year. We’re going through a different process with the team, with the club, and we embrace the challenge and we’re looking forward to it.
“It will be up to other people to have a look and see what we’re all about.
One to Watch
Former ALM star Nick Fitzgerald will be one of the headline acts for Olympic and could be a catalyst for success in 2023.
The seasoned winger brings significant quality to the team, as well as winning experience lifting silverware at the highest level in Australia.
Rising Star
Youngsters have featured extensively in Haliti’s team so far this season, with five players under the age of 18 taking part in the side’s preseason preparations in Newcastle recently.
With heavy involvement early on, there will be plenty of opportunities for these younger players to break into the team this season.
Key Signings
Ziggy Gordon, Nick Fitzgerald, Michael Neill
The 2023 Team
Nicholas Sorras, Ben Van Meurs, Will Angel, Sam McIllhatton, Oliver Puflett, Adam Parkhouse, Darcy Burgess, Chris Parsons, Roy O’Donovan, Fabio Ferreira, Christopher Gligor, Peter Politis, Nick Fitzgerald, Michael Neill, Jack Simmons, James Georgaklis, Ziggy Gordon
Sydney United 58
Despite a tough run in the league last season finishing outside a finals position, the side still made history in 2022, being the first NPL side to make the Australia Cup final.
With many of last season’s stars sticking around for 2023, all eyes will be on United to see whether they can translate their spectacular cup form into the league.
From the Coach: Miro Vlastelica
“It’s [reaching the Australia Cup final] raised the bar, and it’s definitely raised the expectations of the team. It’s shown that the boys can take their game to another level.
“At Sydney United the expectations are always high, we’re probably one of the biggest NPL clubs in the country so you’re gonna have that level of high expectation on everyone.
“We’re just gonna take it a week at a time, a game at a time and just ensure that we’ve got enough bodies fit to get on the park every week.
“The boys understand how we like to approach the game and the season.
“We’ve changed a little, but we’re always developing and looking at ways to be better.
One to Watch
After a couple of seasons in Wollongong, Leroy Jennings will be eying off a defining impact this season.
The midfielder’s work ethic and quality on the ball will be an asset for United, while his adeptness from set pieces will earn further plaudits.
Rising Star
With Vlastelica keen to give youngsters a chance, the coach has had several younger players involved in first-team team training, such as Ante Vojvodic, who will hope to work his way into the team as the season progresses.
Key Signings
Leroy Jennings, Jason Madonis, Hiyori Kawaguchi
The 2023 Team
Danijel Nizic, Cristian Gonzalez, Bailey Rule, Anthony Tomelic, Christopher Payne, Taisei Kaneko, Jason Madonis, Patrick Antelmi, Devante Clut, Yianni Perkatis, Hiyori Kawaguchi, Andrea Agamemnonos, Tariq Maia, Ante Bakmaz, Matthew Bilic, Luke Cukar, Leroy Jennings, Yianni Fragogianis, Glen Trifiro
Western Sydney Wanderers
The Wanderers are the unknown entity entering into the NPL NSW this season with a bright-eyed bunch of talented youngsters set to take to the field in senior competition for the first time.
New coach Andrew Christiansen will be guiding the squad through their inaugural season with some exciting prospects set to be unearthed in 2023.
From the Coach: Andrew Christiansen
“There’s been lots of change throughout the club in the last six months, myself being a part of that change and our NPL squad is a new one.
“There’s only one boy who was a part of our NPL program really last year that’s stayed. The rest have come up through our academy or are new to the club.
“All of those boys on the whole have never played senior football so – a big change and a lot of new learnings for the group.
“We aren’t going into this league looking to scrape through anything. We are respectful of the competition and know that it’s a strong one and that it’s a massive step up for us as a group, but our expectations are high.
One to Watch
Talented midfielder George Antonis has come through the ranks at the Wanderers and could be a real influence in the middle of the park with his leadership a key asset.
Rising Star
Exciting attacker Ariath Piol joins Western Sydney from NPL South Australia side Metro Stars.
The 18-year-old has the versatility to play across the frontline with the potential to be a standout for the side in 2023.
Key Signings
Ariath Piol, Edmond Lupancu
The 2023 Team
Liam Bonetig, Frans Deli, Filip Dimovski, Yohan D’Souza, William Freney, Edmun Haddad, Ryley Hollingdale, Will Mckay, Matthew O’Donoghue, Thomas Furlong, Marcus Younis, Teng Kuol, Luke Nieuwenhof, Adam Bugarija, Luca Pecora, Jesse Cameron, Ryan Devine, Max Hately, George Antonis, Farah Koko, Jok Akuien, Ariath Piol, Mason Fernandez, Edmond Lupancu, Yannis Frerck
Wollongong Wolves
Former ALM star David Carney will take the reins of the Illawarra-based club for 2023 looking for greater intensity in the group after last season’s bottom-four finish.
Carney has brought in young and hungry players for the new season while keeping hold of some of the more experienced members of the playing group from last year.
From the Coach: David Carney
“I’ve freshened the team up from last year, bringing in a lot of young ones, legs, a bit of pace into the team.
“It’s going to be a young team for us, but they’re all hard workers, and they all listen, and so far there’s been a lot of positive preseason results so the boys are confident going into the season.
“We will be playing an attacking game with a lot of intensity. We want to be playing in the final third.
“I want us to control the ball a lot, but we will be playing with a lot of intensity and we will be in their faces and with the quality of players we’ve got, I’m hoping to score goals.
One to Watch
Striker Jake Trew is returning to the Wolves for this season after a successful stint with local Illawarra side Wollongong Olympic in 2022.
The former ALM youngster was an integral part of Olympic’s first Illawarra Premier League title win in 37 years last season and will be looking to create more history with the Wolves in 2023.
He’ll be linking up with another ex-Western Sydney Wanderer, Lachlan Scott potentially offering a deadly forward partnership this season.
Rising Star
Jake Lavalle received plenty of minutes last season for the Wolves and will be hoping to earn Carney’s trust for a place in the Wollongong midfield this time around.
Key Signings
Jake Trew, Walter Scott, Nenad Vekic
The 2023 Team
Marcus Beattie, Tomas Butkovic, Nav Darjani, Banri Kanaizumi, Jake Lavalle, Joshua Macdonald, Lachlan Scott, Senna Stevenson, Ethan Beaven, Harrison Buesnel, Alex Masciovecchio, Chris McStay, Mirza Muratovic, Walter Scott, Jake Trew, Nenad Vekic