For the remaining weeks of the 2024/25 A-League seasons, we will be shining a spotlight on the standout performances across the men’s and women’s competitions, showcasing Victorian-born players and those who have made their mark in NPL Victoria.
From the Izuzu UTE A-League Men to the Ninja A-League, Victorians continue to make their presence felt in Australia’s top-flight football leagues.
Isuzu UTE A-League Men
Dylan Pierias (Adelaide United)
The Keilor Park and Pascoe Vale product played 90 minutes and scored a goal in Adelaide’s 4-1 loss to Sydney FC on February 1. He also contributed one tackle.
Josh Damesvski (Macarthur FC)
Having developed at Nunawading City and Springvale White Eagles, Damesvski played 81 minutes in Macarthur’s 2-1 loss to Auckland on February 1. He registered seven tackles and completed 22 passes.
Kasey Bos (Melbourne Victory)
A former Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook player, Bos played the full 90 minutes in Victory’s 2-0 win over Perth Glory on February 1. He recorded one tackle and 38 passes.
Jordi Valadon (Melbourne Victory)
The Box Hill United product played 87 minutes in Victory’s win over Perth, registering two shots on goal.
Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory)
Hailing from Glen Eira, Velupillay played 68 minutes and scored one goal from three shots in Victory’s 2-0 triumph over Perth.
Anthony Pantazopoulos (Western Sydney Wanderers)
The Brunswick City junior played the full 90 minutes in Western Sydney’s 1-0 win over Brisbane on January 31, making one tackle and 26 passes.
Dylan Leonard (Western United)
The Port Melbourne junior played 90 minutes in Western United’s 2-2 draw with Central Coast on January 29. He recorded one tackle, committed one foul, and completed 115 passes.
Ninja A-League Women
Naomi Chinnama (Perth Glory)
Born in Melbourne, Chinnama played for NTC, FV Emerging (2019-2021), and South Melbourne (2021). She played the full 90 minutes and completed 33 passes in Perth’s 1-0 loss to Canberra.
Tijan McKenna (Perth Glory)
Originally from Perth, McKenna played at South Melbourne (2022) and Heidelberg United (2022-2023). She played 90 minutes and took one shot in Perth’s 1-0 defeat to Canberra.
Sarah O'Donoghue (Perth Glory)
Although born in Queensland, O'Donoghue spent time at Alamein (2023) and Heidelberg United (2024). She played 29 minutes and took three shots on goal in Perth’s loss to Canberra on February 1.
Rhianna Pollicina (Melbourne City)
A Sydney-born player who represented Box Hill in the 2024 NPLW season, Pollicina played 45 minutes, registered one assist, and had one shot in City’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory on February 1.
Kayla Morrison (Melbourne Victory)
Born in the US but now a key figure in Melbourne, Morrison captained Victory for the full 90 minutes in their draw against City, making one tackle and 36 passes. She previously played for Bulleen.
Julia Sardo (Western United)
A Melbourne-born player who started at Meadow Park and played for Essendon NPLW, Sardo played 90 minutes, made one tackle, and completed 33 passes in Western United’s 4-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on January 31.
Melissa Taranto (Western United)
A Moreland Wolves junior who also played for Calder NPLW, Taranto played 87 minutes, scored a goal, and had two shots in Western United’s win over Western Sydney on January 31.