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.
Dylan Pierias – Adelaide United (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Dylan Pierias, who started his career at Keilor Park and Pascoe Vale, played a key role in Adelaide United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Melbourne Victory on January 18. The winger played 90 minutes, making 2 tackles and completing 22 passes. His work rate and defensive contributions were crucial in securing the win for Adelaide.
Aziz Behich – Melbourne City FC (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Defender Aziz Behich, a product of Meadow Park and Green Gully, played the full 90 minutes in Melbourne City FC's 3-0 loss to Auckland City on January 18. Behich made 31 passes during the match, continuing to be a defensive rock for City despite the team’s defeat.
Kasey Bos – Melbourne Victory (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Kasey Bos, representing Hoppers Crossing and Point Cook, showed his resilience in Melbourne Victory's 3-2 loss to Adelaide United on January 18. Bos played the full 90 minutes, registering 1 tackle and 25 passes. His defensive work and passing distribution were key elements in Victory’s effort, even though they fell short.
Jordi Valadon – Melbourne Victory (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Jordi Valadon, a product of Box Hill United, played the full 90 minutes in Melbourne Victory's 3-2 loss to Adelaide United on January 18. Valadon continues to prove his importance to Victory, contributing defensively with key tackles and passes throughout the match.
Ryan Scott – Newcastle Jets (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Goalkeeper Ryan Scott, who came through Monbulk Rangers and Mornington, had an impressive performance in Newcastle Jets' 3-1 loss against Western United on January 17. Scott played the full 90 minutes and made 4 crucial saves.
Zach Lisolajski – Perth Glory (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Zach Lisolajski, from Pascoe Vale, played a vital role in Perth Glory's midfield during their 2-1 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers on January 14. The defensive midfielder played 90 minutes, contributing 4 tackles, 2 fouls, and 17 passes. Lisolajski’s efforts were not enough to secure the win, but his work rate was evident.
Anthony Pantazopoulos – Western Sydney Wanderers (Izuzu Ute A-League)
Midfielder Anthony Pantazopoulos, who hails from Brunswick City, played the full 90 minutes in Western Sydney Wanderers' 3-1 loss to Central Coast Mariners on January 17. Pantazopoulos made 1 tackle, 1 foul, and 56 passes, continuing to show his versatility and influence in midfield despite the defeat.
Leia Varley – Brisbane Roar (Ninja A-League)
Leia Varley, a product of South Melbourne and Box Hill United, has been a standout player for Brisbane Roar in the Liberty A-League. In Brisbane’s 3-2 loss to Adelaide United on January 18, Varley played 90 minutes, contributing 3 tackles and 41 passes, displaying her technical ability and defensive contributions.
Naomi Chinnama – Perth Glory (Ninja A-League)
Naomi Chinnama, born in Melbourne and a product of FV Emerging and South Melbourne, played 90 minutes in Perth Glory’s 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on January 18. Chinnama made 1 tackle and completed 38 passes, showing her calmness under pressure and midfield control.
TJ Vlanjic – Melbourne City FC (Ninja A-League)
TJ Vlanjic, who began her journey at Bundoora United and Essendon NPLW, played a full 90 minutes in Melbourne City FC's 1-1 draw with Western United on January 17. Vlanjic was solid defensively, contributing 5 tackles and 38 passes in a hard-fought match.
Alana Jancevski – Melbourne Victory (Ninja A-League)
Alana Jancevski, a Bundoora United and Heidelberg NPLW product, played the full 90 minutes in Melbourne Victory’s 1-0 win over Perth Glory on January 18. Jancevski registered 1 tackle, 2 fouls, and 26 passes, providing stability in midfield as Victory secured all three points.
Kayla Morrison – Melbourne Victory (Ninja A-League)
Kayla Morrison, a former Bulleen Lions player, captained Melbourne Victory in their 1-0 win over Perth Glory on January 18. Morrison played the full 90 minutes, scored 1 goal, made 1 tackle, and completed 29 passes, showcasing her leadership and all-around contributions in the victory.
Julia Sardo – Western United (Ninja A-League)
Julia Sardo, a product of Meadow Park and in 2024 was with Essendon NPLW, played the full 90 minutes in Western United’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne City FC on January 17. Sardo registered 3 tackles, 1 foul, and 25 passes, providing defensive solidity for Western United as they earned a valuable point.