National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW 2025 Season Preview

The National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition is back with 2025 set to be one of the most exciting yet, filled with quality, tension and plenty of entertainment.
Sixteen teams look set to battle it out not just for the Premiership but Championship in what will be an enthralling year for all involved with this premier Men’s competition.
Let’s check out how each team will line-up as well as their prospects in 2025 in the official season preview.
APIA Leichhardt
Coach: Franco Parisi
2024 finish: 3rd
New signings: After a short stint with Macarthur, Joel Bertolissio joins APIA for 2025. Goalkeeper Oliver Kalac will head up APIA’s defence, moving from Sydney United 58 where he was named in the NPL Men’s NSW team of the season.
Promoted talent: Up-and-coming teenager Max Court makes the massive jump into first grade action after last year becoming the club’s youngest player ever to debut. An APIA junior, Court is definitely one to watch as he grows and develops in 2025.
Club focus: APIA is very much a results driven club and will be thriving for good results this year. Parisi wants to keep his style of sexy football and not only create great players on the pitch but to create an environment that encourages development.
Squad: Anthony Bouzanis, Seiya Kambayashi, Josh Symons Dredon Kelly, Anthony Sparacino, Jack Stewart, Joel Bertolissio, Presley Ortiz, Rory Jordan, Sebastian Boffa, Max Court, Themba Muata-Marlow, Sean Symons, Jordan Segreto, Adrian Ucchino, Alexander Parkes, Michael Kouta, Eddie Caspers Cameron Fong, Maksim Kasalovic, Alex Denmead, Nick Azzone, Oliver Kalac, Franco Farinella
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (APIA Leichhardt from 40:55)
Blacktown City
Coach: Mark Crittenden
2024 finish: 4th
New signings: There’s plenty of exciting new talent coming to Blacktown City this season. Jakob Cresnar is back in NSW from Preston Lions in Victoria, having spent 2023 with Sydney Olympic. Experienced midfielder Keanu Moore joins from NNSW NPL side Edgeworth Eagles while former Australian junior Jared McKinley moves from NWS Spirit. Young keeper Zach Bowling has moved from Newcastle, with all four new faces fitting in well during the preseason.
Promoted talent: Daniel McHugh, Sebastian Hayward and Charlie Saul have all been given the call up from the U20s to the first grade side. They have all been in the Blacktown City environment for a few years and Crittenden said he’s excited to see what they can do at the top.
Club focus: Blacktown City have been near the top of the league for quite some time, and they have no intention of dropping the ball this season. Fighting for finals football is the minimum expectation with their ‘win at all costs’ mentality.
Squad: Cayden Henderson, Jarred McKinley, Lachlan Campbell, Grant Lynch, Adam Berry, Travis Major, Jak O’Brien, Keanu Moore, Maksim Jez, Danny Choi, Mitch Mallia, Abbas Karnib, Ben Berry, Martin Fernandez, Nicholas O’Brien, Jacob Maniti, Jackson Bandiera, Jakob Cresnar, Sebastian Hayward, Charles Saul, Daniel McHugh, Dimo Dimo, Zac Bowling.
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Blacktown City from 38:15)
Central Coast Mariners
Coach: Lucas Vilela
2024 finish: 15th
Promoted talent: As an academy team, the Mariners have been keen to promote talent from not just the U20 side but even the U18s for the new season. With the likes of Haine Eames, Bailey Brandtman, Arthur De Lima and Dylan Peraic-Cullen moving on to the A-League side, there is plenty of room for young Coast talent to make their mark in 2025.
Club focus: Vilela said his job is to get these players ready for an A-League call-up, whether that is with the Mariners or another club. He wants the team to be competitive this season and to show consistency, despite the absences and call-ups expected throughout the year.
Squad: Bailey Brandtman, Jack Warshawsky, Logan Sambrook, Jaj Ajanovic, Arthur De Lima, Adam Pavlesic, Haine Eames, Luca Pecora, Ahmad Elhelou, Ben Mewett, Lucas Scicluna, Jordan Small, Prayaag Thapa, Michael Paragalli, Jai Rose, Muginga Mpota
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Central Coast Mariners from 07:15)
Manly United
Coach: Patrick Zwaanswijk
2024 finish: 9th
New signings: Manly have added some impressive new names to their squad for 2025. American Lucas Meek moves to Australia following some time in New Zealand and has also spent time at Inter Miami training with Messi. Another visa signing is Irishman Aaron O’Driscoll, who most recently played in Victoria with Altona Magic but has spent time in the Manchester City Academy. Closer to home, forward Darcy Burgess has signed with Manly from Sydney Olympic. Former Manly youth product Harry Van der Saag has also returned to Cromer Park with the defender set to sure up the team’s defence.
Promoted talent: Teenager Jasper Chipman is set to make the big jump up to first grade after captaining Manly’s U18 side last season, with teammates Caelen Marshall-Witte and striker Sam Griffiths also making the move up. 15-year-old Miles Millner has joined the extended squad and is expected to make some appearances this season.
Club focus: After being hampered by injuries for the past few seasons, Zwaanswijk is hoping luck will be on Manly’s side in 2025 with the aim of finals football. He wants to create a consistent squad that is competitive in every match to make the top six, and from there anything can happen.
Squad: Levi Kaye, Aaron O’Driscoll, Matthew O’Donoghue, Jesse Piriz, Thomas Fay, Bilal Belkadi, Peter Kekeris, Stefano Rossello, Benjamin Koop, Harry McCarthy, Lucas Meek, Taiga Kawano, Maxwell Pengelly, Max Martinello, Ryan Devine, Farah Koko, Jay Coates, Alen Aganovic, Anthony Carreras, Darcy Burgess, Harry Van der Saag
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Manly United from 20:10)
Marconi Stallions
Coach: Peter Tsekenis
2024 finish: Champions / Finished 2nd
New signings: Although the reigning champions have lost the likes of James Temelkovski and Hiroki Aoyama to A-League clubs, Tsekenis is optimistic the new talent brought in will seamlessly fill the gaps. Afghan international Jawad Rezai joins after a recent stint with Preston Lions in Victoria, while Lachlan Griffith signs on from Rockdale Ilinden and defender Tyren Bernie comes in highly rated from Blacktown. Damian Tsekenis makes his return to football while Jake Trew makes the move from Wollongong to the Stallions.
Promoted talent: Former U20 captain Aleksander Gvozdenovic has moved up to the first grade squad and is expected to make a solid impact. After impressing during the pre-season, Julian Monge has also been given the call-up.
Club focus: Obviously going in as Champions puts a massive target on the back of the Stallions, but Tsekenis said he believed the pressure is no greater than the already high club expectations. The ultimate goal would be to back up their 2024 success, be prepared for the challengers waiting to take them down and come out on top as they push for the double this season. Expect to see the club’s crafty midfield maestro Domenic Costanzo along with one of the competition’s ace strikers Marko Jesic to once again step up with club captain Brandon Vella also playing a crucial role in the club’s push for back to back Championships.
Squad: James Hilton, James Bayliss, Kyle Cimenti, Marko Jesic, Milislav Popovic, George Daniel, Liam Youlley, Franco Maya, Patrick Williams, Jake Trew, Cameron Windust, Matej Busek, Julian Monge, Tyren Burnie, Anton Mlinaric, Lachlan Griffiths, Brandon Vella, Domenic Costanzo, Luke Raso, Jonathan Soares, Aleksandar Gvozdenovic, Jawad Rezai
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Marconi Stallions from 47:15)
Mount Druitt Town Rangers
Coach: Andrew Montgomery
2024 finish: League One Premiers
New signings: Mount Druitt have wasted no time in recruiting for success in their return to the top-flight. Former Blacktown City man Joey Gibbs has joined the newly promoted side along with brothers Jude and Will Rankin from the Mariners.
Club focus: Mount Druitt re-enters the NPL once more with plenty of momentum and expectation and coach Montgomery plans to live up to all the hype. The club plans to be the best version of itself and take it to the top teams, remaining consistently competitive and earning the right to remain.
Squad: Dylan Niski, Alex Trajanoski, Zac Sfiligoi, Theph Theph, Shayden Sampow, Caleb Jackson-Brown, Bailey Jacobs, Thomas Lopez, Cooper Coskerie, Jared Macerola, Garang Awac, John Azar, Stefan Giglio, Nic Morales, Lachlan Vasiliou, Pedrinho, Yinka Sunmola, Joey Gibbs, Rocco Fragale, Jude Rankin, Will Rankin
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Mount Druitt Rangers from 5:30)
NWS Spirit
Coach: David Perkovic
2024 finish: 10th
New signings: The Spirit have picked up some key signings in the off season, with Yu Okubo moving across from Hills United and Takumi Ofuka joining from Wollongong Wolves. Both players will add some attacking prowess after recording double-digit goals for their respective clubs in 2024. Jordan Perez is also back in Australia and making a new home in north-west Sydney after some time playing in Spain and Cyprus.
Promoted talent: Lincoln Gilmore, Austin Oaks and Harry Keys have all been given the nod to move up into the first grade squad this season. Exciting young gun Charlie Broomhead is making the big step up from youth football and has been a late push into the team despite being just 16-years-old, but Perkovic believes he’ll get some solid minutes and experience this season.
Club focus: Having the whole team heading down the right path throughout the year is a key focus for Perkovic this season. Rather than worrying solely on outcomes, Perkovic wants to ensure he and his squad are building and improving consistently.
Squad: Chris Marques, Anthony Younis, Kyah Williams, Bradie Smith, Jordan Perez, Corey Kavanagh, Frankie Ljucovic, Grant Cornwell, Yu Okubo, Michael Konestabo, Ollie Wiggin, Joel Wade, Simon Nicholas, Marco Arambasic, Jamie Percevski, Jake Chidiac, Zayne Ahluwalia, Austin Oats, Harry Keys, Takumi Ofuka, Lincoln Gilmour
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (NWS Spirit from 17:00)
Rockdale Ilinden
2024 finish: Premiers
New signings: Moudi Najjar is finally set to make his debut with Rockdale after signing on for 2024 but ultimately making the move to Korea before the season began. Chris McStay is also back at the club after a couple of seasons with the Wollongong Wolves. A brand new face will be James Nikolovski, a central defender who was part of the Brisbane Roar setup returns back to his junior club. One player that has impressed during pre-season has been former Sydney Olympic striker Oliver Puflett while the club has secured the services of 22-year-old winger and former Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC ace Ali Auglah.
Promoted talent: Following a stand-out 2024 season, winning the Football NSW U20 Player of the Season award, Brae Ovens is set to star in the reigning premiers’ first grade side. Also earning first grade contracts are Paul Kalamvokis, Jason Cakovski and Jordan Graovski, with the latter recently joining from Sutherland Sharks.
Club focus: The club is always focused on continuous improvement and consistent evolution and 2025 is no different. Winning the Premiership last season after a long wait was obviously a major achievement, but the club is looking for more success with the hopes of challenging for all titles on offer this year. Look to see one of the league’s best ever prolific strikers, the “Baker” Alec Urosevski to once again stamp his authority on the competition.
Squad: Alec Urosevski, Brayden Sorge, Blake Ricciuto, Brendan Cholakian, Isaac Danzo, Lochlan Constable, Mathieu Cordier, Ali Auglah, Giorgio Speranza, Hunter Elliot, Brae Ovens, Jason Cakovski, Paul Kalamvokis, Nicholas Sorras, Ronan Mulgrew, James Nikolovski, Matthew Keremelevski, Chris McStay, Moudi Najjar, Oliver Puflett, Jordan Graoski, Michael Marcevski
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Rockdale Ilinden from 52:10)
St George FC
Coach: Fabian Miceli
2024 finish: 12th
New signings: Experienced winger Bai Antoniou comes into St George with plenty of hunger and desire to make an instant impact. He has great ability both on and off the ball and joins the team from Rockdale Ilinden. Another new addition is Sunday Yona from Hills United, while 18-year-old Jacob Fakhoury joins from Bulls FC Academy and makes the jump into the first grade.
Young talent: Exciting young winger Justin Poon is already a regular starter for St George despite still being 19-years-old. He’s not only expected to grow and develop with the team this year, but Miceli believes he will be picked up by an A-League side sooner rather than later.
Club focus: The main focus for St George this season is to do better than 2024. The top half of the table is the basic expectation for the team, but Miceli is hopeful with the talent at his disposal they’ll be finals contenders this year.
Squad: Trelawney Brown, Troy Danaskos, Mark Rodic, Nicholas Kalogerou, Pat O’Shea, Aedan O’Shea, Evan Souris, Chan Yelchan, Jaden Casella, Anthony Morabito, Thomas Dunn, Sunday Yona, Justin Poon, Bai Antoniou, Kaiyden Wright, Thomas Brown, Nikola Skataric, Daniel Axford, Matthew Brewster, Jayden Seeto, Mackenzie Syron
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (St George FC from 13:18)
St George City
Coach: Manny Spanoudakis
2024 finish: 5th
New signings: St George City have brought in predominantly younger players to build their squad this year with one experienced signing in former APIA man Dakota Askew. Luca Ruegg comes in from a U20 Championship winning campaign with Rockdale Ilinden last season along with teammate Matthew Wahby. Returning to the club as the head coach once more, Manny Spanoudakis reiterated the club’s desire to promote talent from within and sign experienced players in key positions to compliment them throughout the year.
The club left its headline signings till last with Newcastle Jets defender Nathan Grimaldi joining the fold alongside visa players, Scotsman Marc McNulty and Portuguese born Goncalo Agrelos.
Club focus: St George City have had a meteoric rise to the top of NSW football in recent years and 2025 will be a year to continue to build, but also to take a breath and consolidate. Spanoudakis is looking to build a team that will fight for finals again this season, but that also has enough depth to continue forwards for seasons to come.
Squad: Brodie Clarkson, Dominic Cox, Tarik Ercan, Fumoto Kamada, Jack Kenny, Louis Khoury, Paolo Mitry, Kai Kamikura, Jesse Photi, Nathan Roberts, Solomon Vaiika, Dakota Askew, Caio De Godoy, Matthew Wahby, Cameron Kemp, Nathan Grimaldi, Noah Ovens, Marc McNulty, Goncalo Agrelos, Zak Hammoud, Will Kounnas, Luka Reugg
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (St George City from 36:00)
Sharks FC
Coach: Steve Zoric
2024 finish: 13th
New signings: The Sharks have seen significant player turnover heading into the new season, with a mix of new signings and promoted talent to replace those moving on. New captain and goalkeeper Danijel Nizic brings plenty of experience to the Sharks with stints at Macarthur FC and Western Sydney under his belt. Brothers Kosta and Maki Petratos have made the move while Lachlan Fields has moved to NSW from Canberra side O’Connor Knights. While former Western United ace Jerry Skotadis will also feature as one of the Sharks’ main men as will rising youngster Dylan Susovic who has made the move from the Marconi Stallions. Former St George FC midfielder Peter Grozos has made the move also to further strengthen the club’s midfield.
Promoted talent: After impressing in the U20s last season, Tye McGowan and Richard Shoueki have been given the nod to make their mark in the first grade squad. Zoric said although they have a ways to go in terms of development, he’s excited to see what they can produce this year.
Club focus: After over a decade without a finals appearance, Zoric is determined to get his side back into the top six this year. There’s plenty of quality talent within the Sharks this season and the aim is to maximise the potential and start making moves up the ladder.
Squad: Danijel Nizic, Lachlan MacDonald, Jordan Roberts, Lachlan Fields, Takahide Umebachi, Mohamed Ahmed, Peter Grozos, Nick Sullivan, Reuben Awaritefe, Yerasimakis Petratos, Kosta Petratos, Ikko Ehode Arimoto, Dylan Susovic, Matthew Moric, Jerry Skotadis, Kotaro Katsuta, Mason Fernandez, Jacob Garner, Ty Mcgowan, Daniel Wong, Thomas Stobierski, Jacob Tresaglovic
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Sharks FC from 10:35)
Sydney FC
Coach: Jimmy van Weeren
2024 finish: 14th
New signings: Former Sydney player Kyle Shaw makes his return to the Academy after a successful stint with NWS Spirit, breaking into their first grade side. Corey Cronin makes the jump up to first grade after playing a mix with U20s with Manly United, while Taye Hedley moves academies from the Central Coast. Towering Goalkeeper Jacob Cremen-Cowan joins from Sutherland Sharks.
Promoted talent: Being an academy, there will be plenty of movements throughout the age groups during the season, but Van Weeren did earmark a few permanent promotions to the first grade side. Jared Middleton has been given the nod despite still being eligible for U20s, along with Joeys player Junior Conde.
Club focus: After a rebuilding season in 2024 with a very young squad, Sydney FC are aiming for a more competitive year. Retaining a host of existing players and bringing in some key experience will hopefully mean a stronger academy side that can break through into the top half of the ladder.
Squad: Joseph Calusic, Jacob Creman-Cowan, Corey Cronin, Zach De Jesus, Marin France, Alen Harbas, Taye Hedley, Gus Hoefsloot, Wataru Kamijo, Will Kennedy, Joseph Lacey, Mathias Macallister, Jared Middleton, Lachlan Middleton, Kyle Shaw, Tyler Williams, Sandy Zaverdinos
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Sydney FC from 09:05)
Sydney Olympic
Coach: Labinot Haliti
2024 finish: 8th
New signings: Sydney Olympic have gone on a signing spree for 2025. A massive coup for the side is former APIA star man Jack Armson, who wants to help bring the club back to its 2022 success. Connor O’Toole comes in from A-League side Western United while keeper Jack Gibson joins from Western Sydney Wanderers. Cyrus Dehmie and Joshua Hong have both moved from Queensland NPL sides Olympic FC and Moreton City Excelsior respectively. The club is set to announce a couple more profile players before their opening match this Saturday.
Promoted Talent: Olympic are hopeful
Club Focus: The Blues will be banking on their star-studded line up to get them back in the winners circle where the former NSL giants can once again fill up their trophy cabinet. Blessed with some quality talent at their disposal across all areas, the squad, made up of some fantastic up and coming talent, will be hoping that the glory days will return to the boys in Blue.
Squad: Demir Teknikeller, Jackson Fowler, Marcus Papadimitriou, Michael Vakis, Ziggy Gordon, Gianni Di Pizio, Seth Clark, Zac Zoricich, Joshua Hong, Connor O’Toole, Cyrus Dehmie, Jack Armson, Jack Gibson, Adam Parkhouse, Sam McIllhatton, Teng Kuol
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Sydney Olympic from 22:20)
Sydney United 58
Coach: Ante Juric
2024 finish: 6th
New signings: New coach Ante Juric has made some exciting new changes to his team with former Blacktown City captain Mario Shabow and star keeper Tristian Prendergast signing on. Thomas Makko remains in the top-flight after moving from the relegated Hills United while Croatian youth international Josip Orlovic returns to Australia. Richie Darko is back with United after coming through the junior ranks and moving to NWS Spirit, while 2022 Premiership winner Michael Glassock joins from Sydney Olympic.
Promoted talent: Four players have been given the nod to join the first grade squad this season. Youth players Malik Chamseddine, Luke Zuvela, Marko Sinozic and Josh Attard have all received scholarships and will train under Juric.
Club Focus: Juric is hopeful that his appointment will bring back the good old days of success at the historic club which has been no stranger to success. With an abundance of talent on its players roster combined with some experienced stars including club captain Adrian Vlastelica at the helm, United 58 will be focused on pushing for silverware this year.
Squad: Tristan Prendergast, Josip Orlovic, Adrian Vlastelica, Bailey Rule, Liam McGing, Jordan Ivancic, Cristian Gonzalez, Michael Glassock, Carlos De Oliveira, Anthony Tomelic, Tariq Maia, Aidan Milicevic, Matthew Hatch, Stephan De Robillard, Mason Wells, Mario Shabow, Thomas Makko, Patrick Antelmi, Leroy Jennings, Alessandro Lacalandra, Richie Darko
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Sydney United from 31:55)
Western Sydney Wanderers
Coach: Richie Cardozo
2024 finish: 11th
New signings: After a few seasons at Manly United, Saxon Hillyer joins the Wanderers as their most experienced new signing. Meliwethu Richard Nkomo is back after joining the academy mid 2024 along with Luka Knezevic. Cardozo expects plenty of new faces to come up through the ranks this season, with some players in the extended squad as young as 15.
Club focus: The Wanderers’ focus this year as is every year is on themselves and to not look externally for what success looks like. Although winning is an important part of development as an academy, it’s more important that players understand key moments in football and how to capitalize on them.
Squad: Awan Lual, Edmun Haddad, Ryley Hollingdale, Luke Nieuwenhof, Jesse Cameron, Ricky Fransen, Antony Barbic, Alaat Abdul, Rahman, Richard Nkomo, Saxon Hillyer, Luka Knezevic, Dallo Sandy, Julian Cop, Nathan Barrie, Tristan Vidackovic, Lucas Sinnott, Nicholas Badolato
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (WSW from 14:55)
Wollongong Wolves
Coach: Warren Grieve
2024 finish: 7th
New signings: Solomon Islands international Raphael Le’ai has earned a contract with the Wolves after impressing both at club and international levels. Nicholas Olsen has joined following some time abroad and former player Marcus Beattie returns. Former Wolves junior James Agnostopoulos is also back in the fold, joining from Illawarra Premier League side Coniston United.
Promoted talent: Expect to see more of Ben Giason and Damon Gray who will be pushing for starting spots while rising keeper Oliver Yates will hope to play more of a role this season.
Club focus: Under the watchful eye of new coach Warren Grieve, the club will be hoping that the lure of a mixture of local talent combined with some experienced NPL Men’s NSW players and overseas stars will spearhead the Wolves’ push for a successful campaign.
After missing out on finals football in 2024, the Wolves fans are hopeful that with a new injection of fresh faces both at the helm and on the pitch will be the ingredient needed for a coveted spot.
Squad: Oliver Yates, Harrison Buesnel, Darcy Madden, Dylan Ryan, Banri Kanaizumi, James Anagnostopoulos, Sim Woon Sub, Damon Gray, Sebastian Hernandez, Dax Kelly, Marcus Beattie, Nicholas Olsen, Lachlan Scott, Alex Masciovecchio, Ben Giason, Raphael Le’ai
Listen to the 2025 Season Preview podcast (Wollongong Wolves from 27:05)