2022 NPL NSW Men’s Season Preview
After having the 2021 season cut short due to COVID restrictions, the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition is fast-approaching and the teams are eager to return to the pitch.
Amongst the 12 teams there is plenty of drive and ambition to prove themselves and put their talent on display.
With some big signings, new directions and fresh talent, here’s what to expect in 2022.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers
Having wrapped up an incredible FFA Cup run in December, APIA Leichhardt certainly have the most momentum leading into the 2022 NPL NSW season.
A taste of national football glory will have the boys from Lambert Park eager to get back on the pitch and make their mark in 2022.
With Danial Cummins returning to the helm, there is a good blend of fresh faces and strong experience that will lead APIA through the season.
From the Coach: Danial Cummins
“What I’m going for is to get a bit more mobility.
“I want to be pressing a bit higher and I want to move the ball a lot quicker than what they did last year.
“First and foremost, I want to stay the season and to stay the season means we need to be winning – so expectations are top two.
“It’s tough because it’s been a difficult preseason with COVID and injuries, but that’s where we should be and that’s where we’re working towards.
“I think you need three things in this league. I think they need to be fit, they need structure and there needs to be team culture.
“If you look at the league since 2014, if you concede less than 20 goals you win the comp, so it starts with defence.
“We’ve bought really well up top, we’ve got some really young fellas that are good, but if we don’t defend and keep clean sheets, then we won’t win the league.
One to Watch
Walter Scott and Matt Cahill have both joined the Tigers from the A-League and will be looking to show their talent and ambition to make their mark on the NPL in the upcoming season.
Let’s not forget American ace Jason Romero who will no doubt feature as one of the go to players for the Inner West club.
Rising Star
Nathaniel Blair is set to be the club’s rising star for the 2022 season, with plenty of potential to make his mark on the league as he steps up from the junior ranks.
Key Signings
Jack Armson, Matthew Cahill and Walter Scott.
The 2022 Team
Jack Armson, Nick Azzone, Nathaniel Blair, Matthew Cahill, Gian Fiorese, Paul Galimi, Michael Kouta, Fabian Monge, Themba Muata-Marlow, Ivan Necevski, Simon Nicholas, Yianni Nicolaou, Franco Parisi, Jason Romero, Walter Scott, Josh Symons, Luke Turnbul, Adrian Ucchino.
Blacktown City FC
The strength of Blacktown City is rarely in doubt for any season of the NPL NSW Men’s competition and this year is no exception.
Mark Crittenden has recruited well to replace his outgoing talent and his well-respected team culture and professional training environment continues to be a staple of the club.
Having ended the 2021 season at the top of the ladder, Blacktown City are the clear favourites for 2022.
From the Coach: Mark Crittenden
“We just start every season with the same ambition and that’s to win every game we play.
“That’s just been me from day one – that doesn’t matter what we do whether it be football, life in general, whatever, be a winner.
“That’s the way I’ve approached everything and that’s the way my boys will approach it.
“That won’t change and that’s been the same with me since I started coaching.
“Whilst we’ve lost a couple of strikers, we think we’ve brought in some pretty decent quality to replace them.
“We just want to work for each other, be strong for each other and that’s the way we’ve always been – nothing’s ever really changed under me, that’s my style.
“As long as they work hard for each other, hopefully the results will come.”
One to Watch
Japanese import midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama will be one to watch for the 2022 season having recently played with J-League 3 outfit Fukushima United and will be ready to star in Blacktown City’s strong 2022 squad.
Rising Star
Having had a breakout year for Blacktown City in 2021, Carlos De Oliviera will be hungry for more this season and is expected to be a star in City’s midfield.
Key Signings
Hirokai Aoyama, Mitchell Mallia, Jordan Smylie and Jake Trew.
The 2022 Team
Hirokai Aoyama, Dakota Askew, Ryan Attard, Jackson Bandiera, Adam Berry, Ben Berry, Tyren Burnie, Lachlan Campbell, Daniel Collins, Carlos De Oliveira, Charles Eriku, Cayden Henderson, Caleb Jackson-Brown, Matthew Lewis, Grant Lynch, Mitchell Mallia, Charles Mendy, Dylan Niski, Jak O’Brien, Nic O’Brien, Tristan Prendergast, Alex Robinson, Mario Shabow, Jordan Smylie, Jake Trew.
Manly United FC
Manly United have built a reputation for nurturing local, young talent and immersing them amongst the experienced talent at the club and this year will see them do the same.
Adam Griffiths, having reached the top levels of Australian football as a player, will be looking to continue to give opportunities to his young talent while utilising some experience to execute his strategy for the 2022 season.
From the Coach: Adam Griffiths
“There’s some new faces in the squad.
“Good quality young players and a couple of experienced players have come in as well so it’ll be a fresher look than what people are normally used to with Manly, but at the same time there’s still a lot of familiar faces within the squad.
“We want to continue to evolve and to grow as a football club and football team.
“We have a certain playing style that we want to continue to evolve into – it’s a progression.
“We started when I first came in, and then we brought in certain players that could continue that and again this year that’s the intent as well, to continue to bring in players that can fit into our playing style, and then hopefully that will translate into the games with high quality technical and attacking football.
“We want to continue to evolve and have that winning mentality because when you play a style of football you have to also have the mindset to win football matches.
“I think we have to continue to improve in that area, that mental toughness and that desire to win because it’s all good playing a style of football and it looking good but at the end of the day, that winning mentality is key.”
One to Watch
A stalwart of the league, Matt Sim’s return to Manly United will bring valuable experience to the squad and will likely be a top competitor in the league as he has been in previous seasons.
Rising Star
Former Young Western Australian state team captain Kristian Santich has joined the NPL NSW competition and will be looking to prove he can settle into the new standard in 2022.
Remember the name, Santich is set for big things.
Key Signings
Bruno Mendes, Matt Sim and Kristian Santich.
The 2022 Team
Alen Aganovic, Finn Ashton, Sam Benton, Hugo Cornish, Tom Fay, Dom Ferguson, James Georgaklis, Jack Greenwood, Zenden Hart, Seiya Kambayashi, Luca Kmet, Ben Koop, Mitch Mattison, Bruno Mendes, Jimmy Oates, Dejan Pandurevic, Kieran Paull, Jesse Piriz, Lucas Rainbird, Nick Rainbird, Kristian Santich, Matt Sim.
Marconi Stallions FC
Marconi will be looking to strengthen their game in the 2022 season, bolstering their attacking forces to complement the already stable defensive structure they displayed in 2021.
Peter Tsekenis’ winning mentality is well and truly alive and the players have developed a strong culture in the change room to help support this and move away from the draws that plagued them in the 2021 season.
From the Coach: Peter Tsekenis
“We had a lot of draws last year and that came to, when you have a look at it, we dominated most games and we just couldn’t finish teams off.
“We created a fair few chances and if you look at the stats, we were always on top but it’s just that final third killing off games or being the difference.
“I think the players we have brought in can counter that and that was the whole idea.
“Everyone’s refreshed and everyone’s looking forward to kicking off the season again.
“They’ve been working quite well and I’m just looking forward to getting back into it.
“We always want to win anything that’s up for grabs, and I’ll never shy away from that.
“We will enter any competition or any game, looking at winning games and winning trophies.
“Both the club and myself, and the staff and the players for that matter, are all aligned on the same page.
“We believe we have the squad to do it and it’s just about putting it all together and trying to keep everyone healthy and fit to be available for every week.”
One to Watch
Charles Lokolingoy was missed when he joined the Wellington Phoenix just before the 2021 NPL NSW Men’s season and his absence was felt – now the big burly striker is back at the ‘Palace’ set to do some damage with the hope of hitting the back of the net on a regular basis.
Rising Star
Dom Costanzo will be an exciting addition to Marconi this season and his pace and talent on the ball is set to make him a rising star in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.
Bit of history too for the young attacker as he joins the club his father Angelo famously played for in the early 2000’s.
Key Signings
Charles Lokolingoy, Thomas James and Taylor McDonald.
The 2022 Team
Zach Cairncross, Domenico Costanzo, Connor Evans, Martin Fernandez, Sam Gulisano, Christopher Hatfield, Thomas James, Marko Jesic, Charles Lokolingoy, Taylor McDonald, Jarred McKinley, Nathan Millgate, Stefan Nikolic, Dion Shaw, Giorgio Speranza, Roberto Speranza, Adrian Velenti, Brandon Vella, Nenad Vekic, Liam Youlley.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers
With a lot of changes at the club due to players moving interstate, Mt Druitt is ready to start a new era of football in 2022 with emerging young talent and some dynamic and experienced players.
Stewart Montgomery is looking forward to implementing a playing style that utilises the squad’s mobility and speed for the upcoming season.
From the Coach: Stewart Montgomery
“We’re excited about the new players that we’ve brought in.
“We learned from last year that the depth of the squad and bringing through the younger players to ensure that they’re ready for not only this season, but future seasons is critical.
“We’re really happy with the progression that they’ve made, as well as bringing in a lot of other experienced players to cover some of the gaps, and we’re still looking to strengthen the roster a little bit later on.
“It’s really about making sure that they believe that they can do it as well, that their talent will get them to that next level, but it is truly about giving them that experience on the park because, as you know, there’s nothing like playing first grade.
“You can’t play 20s and be the best player in 20s all the time, you actually have to give them that opportunity to step up and we’ve done that for a long time at the club, and it’s something we’re proud of.
“Whilst we’ve lost a little bit of experience… we’ve been able to bring in a lot of mobility and speed, which will really test a lot of the opposition sides.”
One to Watch
Making the move straight from Portugal, Diogo Barbosa will be one to watch for Mt Druitt this season, bringing excitement and experience to the squad, we could see a potential star import on display in our top tier Men’s league for 2022.
Rising Star
Having scored six goals in the U20s competition in 2021, Olayinka Sunmola had a taste of first grade with three appearances and will be one to watch as he hopes to become a first grade regular in 2022.
Key Signings
Diogo Barbosa, Louis Khoury and Matthew Symes.
The 2022 Team
Leonard Abdo, Diogo Barbosa, Brayden Burr, Richard Cardozo, Cooper Coskerie, Rhett Desilva, Tarek Elrich, Robert Fanella, Rocco Fragale, Bul Juach, Fumoto Kamada, Louis Khoury, Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika, Peter Nichols, Travis Oughtred, Jason Perez, John Roberts, Mohammed Sabbouh, Jack Stewart, Olayinka Sunmola, Matthew Symes, Jake Trajkovski.
Northbridge Bulls
As always, Northbridge will be using their technical skills and gameplay to their advantage in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.
The young side, under the guidance of coach and ex-Socceroo Mile Sterjovski, will feature some fresh faces looking to progress their football careers along with some of their more experienced players who will be feeling more confident this season having spent some time in the league.
From the Coach: Mile Sterjovski
“This year, having one year of experience in NPL NSW Men’s competition, I’m hoping to be a bit more settled with the team.
“I think last season we played well in quite a few games, but probably in the last 10 to 15 minutes of games we lacked that composure, being a young team.
“Now having that experience, I’m hoping that we are able to see the games out and get the points that we deserve.
“If I can instil that belief in them to keep trying and to keep being brave and wanting the ball in certain areas, I think they’re going to grow as players and I think that’s where we will get our success.
“I think we’ll have a good, young, dynamic team that will play exciting football.”
One to Watch
Young skipper Rory Jordan made quite the impression in 2021 and is set to continue to improve in 2022, using his technical skill and leadership capability to reach his full potential.
Rising Star
In a team full of rising stars, it’s nearly impossible to choose a rising star from this squad. Keep an eye on the entire team as the talented youngsters show the NPL NSW Men’s competition what they’re made of.
Key Signings
Nathan Dimou and Al Hassan Toure.
The 2022 Team
Diego Bonilla, Eddie Caspers, James Cakovski, Brodie Clarkson, Stephen De Robillard, Nathan Dimou, Jed Drew, Jake Hollman, Oliver Jones, Rory Jordan, Levi Kaye, Ante Krilic, Jack Mcloughlin, Michael Ruhs, Lachlan Sepping, Anthony Sparacino, Marcus Sparacino, Nick Suman, Al Hassan Toure, Mason Wells.
Rockdale Ilinden FC
With big ambition for the 2022 season, Rockdale are a force to be reckoned with in 2022.
Steve Zoric has recruited some quality players to add depth to an already impressive squad and has managed to create a well-balanced team that is set to be in the mix for the premiership title.
From the Coach: Steve Zoric
“From last year we’ve sort of evolved to squad, that was our plan.
“Back in the COVID season in 2020, we started with sort of a revamped squad, we brought youngsters in and integrated a few of the core players that we kept with the new players, and we started to build on that last season.
“It was evident last season when we had a few injuries and a couple of players left for the A- League midseason, that it sort of hurt us a little bit.
“We went from just one defeat all the way to the halfway mark and then we had a month that we didn’t win a game – we had a few draws and a couple of losses, so we had to readjust and find solutions.
“It was evidence if we want to win the title and maintain that and evolve as a team and as a club, we need to bring in some more depth to the squad and we’ve certainly done that this year in spades.
“We’re looking to win everything that possibly can be won.
“We’ve got the depth now, we’ve got real big depth in our midfield which is important to our game, we’re extremely mobile this year and we’ve got speed all across the park.”
One to Watch
After his time with Central Coast Mariners, Jaden Casella returns to Rockdale for the 2022 season and will be one to watch as he continues to develop in the NPL NSW competition.
You can also throw into that mix the exciting former APIA duo of Peter Kekeris and Will Mutch.
Rising Star
Youngster Jamie Percevski is a quality new signing for Rockdale that has plenty of untapped potential to show at his new club in 2021.
Key Signings
Will Mutch, Chris McStay, Peter Kekeris, Will Mutch and Nicola Kuleski
The 2022 Team
Bai Antoniou, Mo Ahmed, Daniel Araujo, David Bradasevic, Jaden Casella, Lachie Griffiths, Peter Kekeris, Nicola Kuleski, Alex Masciovecchio, Chris McStay, Matt Muram, William Mutch, Daniel Petkovski, Jamie Percevski, Patrick Savor, Brayden Sorge, Mitchell Stamatellis, Tomoki Wada, Alec Urosevski.
Sydney FC
Sydney FC has been known for their development of young players for many years now and Jim Van Weeren will continue to put development at the forefront of his strategy for the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s season.
While they have shown they can compete in the league, they will be looking to continue to put their technical skill on show and develop their strategic play to see through more games throughout the season.
From the Coach: Jim Van Weeren
“One of the consistent aims for us is to get players from our squad into our A-League team, that stays the same every year.
“So for us as a collective group of players and staff we hope to see through more results than we did last season.
“We’ve got a lot of learning to do for when we play the bigger clubs and stronger teams but the real positive was that we showed at least in patches in almost every game that we were able to compete with the NPL1 competition.
“We kind of believe that we have the best technical players and it’s about playing to those strengths.
“Obviously, 16, 17, 18 year old boys can’t compete physically with men so we really try to utilise the kind of technical skill set of the players and play in a certain way that helps us avoid physical duels and allow players to utilise their technical strength and weapons.
“We’ve got a lot of boys that are on the fringe of the A-League, who play in our front four – exciting players, good in 1v1 situations and score some nice goals.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing not just the guys that we think are starting games at the moment, but the attacking unit to see what they can produce this year in the competition.”
One to Watch
Young-gun Jake Girdwood-Reich showed the league what he was capable of in 2021 and will certainly be one to watch to see what he puts on display in the 2022 season – that and sporting one of the meanest mullets in the competition.
Rising Star
As with Northbridge, Sydney FC are a team full of rising stars that are sure to impress audiences throughout the NPL NSW Men’s season as they grow and develop on their journey in football.
Key Signings
Ben Gibson
The 2022 Team
Kealey Adamson, Harry Aquilina, Joseph Calusic, Cameron Fong, Jake Girdwood-Reich, Ben Gibson, Nathan Grimaldi, Aaron Gurd, Corey Hollman, Kai Kamikura, Jaiden Kucharski, Oscar Priestman, Zac Sapsford, Adrian Segecic, Aidan Simmons, Luka Smyth, Clayton Taylor, JaydenT renkoski, Max Vartuli.
Sydney Olympic FC
Having struggled to recreate their premiership/championship winning season of 2018, Sydney Olympic will be hopeful that this year they can build on their performances and see strong results this season.
With a revitalised squad, and particularly some dynamic talent at the top of the park, Olympic are in a good position to
From the Coach: Ante Juric
“There are new players and we are still building in terms of the team, but Olympic doesn’t change in terms of what we’re trying to do.
“We always try and win things and be in the top five and then hopefully win the Championship – that doesn’t change in terms of goals.
“But we’ve got a new team and we’re still building with this revitalised team from the last year or two.
“We dominated a lot of games last year, but we didn’t finish.
“Hopefully, with the inclusion of a couple of players there, maybe Sam [McIlhatton] and Roy [O’Donovan], even Mat Cordier, hopefully that will improve our top third.
“We just need to keep working hard on the right things and being energetic and then hopefully defensively we stay strong and in attack, we improve and score.
“I’m a big believer in playing for each other and being selfless and respecting each other and that’s probably most important – that’s why we brought in certain players because I think they’ll follow that and that’s more important to me than anything.
“Culturally I think we’re in a very, very good place.”
One to Watch
With a quality football pedigree, Roy O’Donovan is set to be a standout for Olympic this year as he adds some valuable experience and star-power to their forward line.
Rising Star
Chan Deng has made the move up from U20s to First Grade for the 2022 season and will be one to watch as he progresses to men’s football for the upcoming season.
Key Signings
Roy O’Donovan, Sam McIlhatton and Mathieu Cordier.
The 2022 Team
Will Angel, Darcy Burgess, Brendan Cholakian, Mathieu Cordier, Chan Deng, Daniel Dias, Fabio Ferreira, Michael Glassock, Evan Hamele, Sam McIlhatton, Kristofer Nicolaou, Roy O’Donovan, Adam Parkhouse, Chris Parsons, Marley Peterson, Jeremy Pollard, Oliver Puflett, Nikola Udjur, Ben Van Meurs, Thomas Whiteside.
Sydney United 58
Sydney United 58 will be embarking on a new era of football at the club under the leadership of new coach Joe Haywood.
Alongside former experienced NPL NSW Men’s players Jason Trifiro and Nick Stavroulakis, United will be looking to use their strong squad to play high-quality football and enjoy success in 2022.
From the Coach: Joe Haywood
“The club’s got a good history and a strong history in the top tier of NPL NSW Men’s competition in terms of what they’re about as a club, what their aim is as a club, and the way that they try and play football.
“The club wants to be the best, they strive to be the best on and off the field.
“I think this year we’ve got a good squad that can compete, and our aim is to try and win as many games, if not every game, throughout the season.
“We go into every game believing that we can win, we set ourselves up to win and we’ll just see where we’ll be at the end of the year.
“I think now the players are trusting me and I’m trusting them.
“We’re starting to get some results, but importantly, we’re starting to play some good football.
“We’ve got a strong squad that we feel can compete within the division so we’re happy where we are, and we’re excited for round one against Wollongong.”
One to Watch
Patrick Antelmi had an incredible year in 2021, with a huge 13 goals to his name, and will be one to watch this season as he looks to recreate the magic.
Rising Star
Kyle Cimenti joins the squad for 2022 and, having already shown the NPL that he is capable of playing great football, will be one to watch as he continues to rise. While all eyes will be fixed on the club’s Japanese import Taisei Kaneko who has impressed during the club’s trial matches.
Key Signings
Kyle Cimenti and Taisei Kaneko
The 2022 Team
Andreas Agamemnonos, Yianni Fragogiannis, Cristian Gonzalez, Anthony Tomelic, Devante Clut, Patrick Antelmi, Matthew Bilic, Jordan Ivancic, Mihael Marcic, Glen Trifiro, Danijel Nizic, Christopher Payne, Jacob Poscoliero, Yianni Perkatis, Adrian Vlastelica, Kyle Cimenti, Tariq Maia, Jordan Roberts, Taisei Kaneko.
Sutherland Sharks FC
A huge recruitment drive from Nick Dimovski has seen Sutherland Sharks sign some strong talent ahead of the 2022 season to put them in contention for finals.
With a focus on building a great culture at the club, both on and off the pitch, Sutherland are set to impress for the upcoming season and fans will surely be paying close attention to see if they can reach their full potential.
From the Coach: Nick Dimovski
“We’ll be playing with an attacking mindset, an attacking brand of football.
“The difference from last season to this season is last year we were defence orientated.
“Obviously, we’re still going to worry about defence but our main focus is we want to press teams and put the pressure on, so we want to play an attacking brand of football this year that’s going to win games.
“Like all teams we’ve obviously got a goal to make the top five, and one of the things his year when we did the rebuild, when we were looking at players, we wanted to make sure it wasn’t just players that had the ability, it was players with the right mindset, players with the right values as human beings.
“We try and pick good people first and then try and help their football to make them better players.
“It’s the most unusual of preseasons, but we have been working on developing our attacking brand.
“We want to be on the front foot and we want to be playing an attacking brand of football this year and we’ve been working on that in preseason but there has been the challenges obviously of COVID which is I’m sure the same as every other club.”
One to Watch
Nick Sullivan is set to bring some fire to Sutherland’s attacking forces and his hard-working mentality and attacking prowess will make him a key player for the club.
Rising Star
Defender Gabriel Contigiani is set to be a rising star of the Sharks after showing his talent and impressing in the 2021 season.
Key Signings
Jason Madonis, Mark Rodic, Michael Neill and Nick Sullivan.
The 2022 Team
Lukman Ahmed-Shaibu, Sam Amey, James Andrew, Anthony Bouzanis, James Baldacchino, Harry Callahan, Gabriel Contigiani, Jeremy Cox, Lachlan Everett, Charlie Jones, Nelson Lam, Chris Lindsay, Lachlan Macdonald, Jason Madonis, Michael Neill, Pat O’Shea, Mark Rodic, Luke Sauer, Mitch Smith, Nick Sullivan, Nikola Taneski, Julian Trovato.
Wollongong Wolves
With a young squad in 2021, Wollongong Wolves will be hoping that more experience will carry them further in 2022.
With a strong focus on culture and a professional training environment, the Wolves will be hoping to have a successful season that loyal Wollongong football fans can be proud of.
From the Coach: Luke Wilkshire
“We need a little bit more leadership off the back of last year, we were very young, very naive, I think. So we brought in a little bit more experience this year.”
“We’ve got a rich history down here in Wollongong.
“We aim to build a team that the region can be proud of, that the region wants to come and support and that the region enjoys supporting the brand of football and the way we play.
“The strength is the team, the group.
“It’s a long season and you need everyone, the whole squad.
“We are here to work, we’re here to enjoy, we’re here to win – it’s very simple.
“There’s not one game that we go into that we don’t believe that we will win.”
One to Watch
Leroy Jennings will be looking to continue on his form from 2021 in the 2022 season and help to take his team as far as they can possibly go in the competition.
Rising Star
Nicholas Duarte is one to watch out for. His attacking ability will certainly be a feature the 18-year-old will hold close as he pushes for a starting spot in Wilkshire’s side.
Key Signings
Banri Kanaizumi and Takuma Tsujimura.
The 2022 Team
Evan Ball, Bilal Belkadi, Tomas Butkovic, Nav Darjani, Nikola Djordjevic, Nicholas Duarte, Hayden Durose, Daniel Goni, Brendan Griffin, Leroy Jennings, Banri Kanaizumi, Guy Knight, Jake Lavalle, Nick Littler, Darcy Madden, Jacob Madden, Kuot Maliet, Josh McDonald, Lachlan Scott, Peter Siminoski, Senna Stevenson, James Stojcevski, Harry Taranto, Takuma Tsujimura.
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