Rockdale Ilinden Set to Push Further After NPL Men’s NSW Final Run
After finishing as National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW finalists last season, Rockdale Ilinden enter the 2026 campaign determined to go one step further.
Head coach Paul Dee returns to the helm as the club begins a new chapter, navigating life without club legend and all-time leading goalscorer Alec Urosevski. While Urosevski’s departure marks the end of an era, Ilinden have moved decisively in the off-season to reshape their squad with a blend of experience, familiarity and returning quality.
Among the new arrivals is former Manly United goalkeeper Levi Kaye, who adds proven NPL experience between the posts. He is joined by Harry van der Saag, while attacking options have been bolstered with the signing of former NWS Spirit FC forward Ollie Wiggins. Another familiar face from Manly United, Harry McCarthy, has also made the move to the Ilinden Sports Centre.
The club has welcomed back Lachlan Griffiths following a season with Marconi Stallions, while Matthieu Cordier returns to the squad after missing the entire 2025 season through injury, effectively functioning as a major new inclusion.
Continuity remains a key pillar for Ilinden, with several core players recommitting for the new season. Hunter Elliott, Giorgio Speranza, Moudi Najjar, Lochie Constable and Matthew Keremelevski have all re-signed from the 2025 squad, along with Isaac Danzo, who recently featured at the Australian Championship with Wollongong Wolves.
With a refreshed squad and unfinished business from last season, Rockdale Ilinden will be keen to set the tone early in 2026. Their opening assignment sees them travel to Wanderers Football Park to face Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday, 8 February, in what shapes as a strong early test.
