Blacktown City reloads for 2026 as Crittenden leads new-look squad
Blacktown City FC has confirmed its 2026 National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW squad, unveiling a refreshed roster mixed with familiar faces as long-serving head coach Mark Crittenden returns to lead the club once more.
Working alongside trusted assistant Matthew Bingley, Crittenden will again aim to steer City back to the top of the competition after a significant offseason of change.
The club has strengthened across the park with a wave of new arrivals. Former St George City defender Nathan Grimaldi and ex–Mt Druitt Town Rangers midfielder Caleb Jackson-Brown head the list of signings, joined by Jett Long, Julian Rodriguez, Nikola Skataric, Anthony Sparacino, Kodai Tanaka and Lachlan Tilt, all of whom will call Landen Stadium home for the upcoming season. Their arrivals bring fresh energy and depth to a squad eager to re-establish itself among the NPL NSW’s Men’s elite.
Balancing the excitement of new signings, Blacktown City farewelled several long-serving stalwarts. Club favourites Grant Lynch, Lachlan Campbell, Ben Berry and Danny Choi have all departed, marking the end of significant eras in City colours. They were joined by Jackson Bandiera, Jakob Cresnar, Keanu Moore, Jarred McKinley and Martin Fernandez, contributing to one of the most notable squad turnovers the club has seen in recent years.
Despite the departures, the core of City’s identity remains intact, with long-time contributors Travis Major and Mitch Mallia once again committing to the cause. The O’Brien brothers, Jak and Nicholas, also return for 2026, ensuring the squad retains experience, leadership and continuity amid the transition.
Blacktown City’s first test of the new season arrives on Saturday, 7 February, when they face Sydney Olympic FC at Belmore Sports Ground in Round 1 of the NPL Men’s NSW competition. With a blend of loyal experienced campaigners, exciting recruits and a coaching team deeply connected to the club’s history, City enters 2026 with renewed purpose and a clear focus on climbing back to the summit.
Blacktown City Squad 2026: Adam Berry, Jake Briggs, Nathan Grimaldi, Sebastian Hayward, Cayden Henderson, Caleb Jackson-Brown, Maksim Jez, Travis Major, Mitch Mallia, Jacob Maniti, Daniel McHugh, Riley Nolan, Nicholas O’Brien, Jak O’Brien, Aiden Renshaw, Nikola Skataric, Kodai Tanaka, Lachlan Tilt, Jett Long, Anthony Sparacino
