Manly United FC Keep It Local Ahead of NPL Men’s NSW Campaign
Manly United FC are set to embark on their 2026 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW campaign with a refreshed squad, a new head coach, and a continued commitment to developing and backing local talent.
A new chapter officially begins at Cromer Park this season with Vladimir Knežević taking the reins as head coach. Tasked with guiding the Northern Beaches club through another demanding NPL Men’s NSW campaign, Knežević inherits a squad that blends fresh faces, familiar names, and emerging talent from within Manly United’s own pathway.
Staying true to one of the club’s long-standing philosophies, Manly United have once again focused on keeping it local. The club has strengthened its squad with the arrivals of goalkeeper Mackenzie Syron, along with Luka Krizan, Stephen De Robillard, Ayumu Kimura, and Luke Nieuwenhof, all adding depth and quality ahead of the new season.
Manly United have also promoted six players from their Under 20s program into the senior squad, underlining the strength of the club’s development pathway. Mitchell Seaman, Max Walker, Will Faulder, Sam Griffiths, Cai Evans, and Toby Bakewell have all earned their opportunity at senior level and will be eager to make their mark in NPL Men’s NSW.
Continuity remains a key feature of the squad, with several experienced players retained from last season. Matthew O’Donoghue, Jesse Piriz, Aaron O’Driscoll, Saxon Hillyer, Ben Koop, Darcy Burgess, and Jasper Chipman all return, providing leadership and stability as the squad takes shape under its new head coach.
The club has also farewelled a number of players during the off-season, with Levi Kaye, Alen Aganovic, Farah Koko, Max Pengelly, Harry van der Saag, Harry McCarthy, Lucas Meek, Rocco Pelle, Bilal Belkadi, Peter Kekeris, Taiga Kawano, and Jay Coates moving on.
The Vladimir Knežević era officially kicks off when Manly United host St George City at Cromer Park on Friday, 6 February, in what shapes as a compelling opening test for the Northern Beaches side in the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW season.
