Next Gen Strikers Light Up NPL Men’s NSW Golden Boot Race
After 13 rounds of the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition, a new generation of attacking talent is making its mark, lighting up the Golden Boot race and signalling a changing of the guard.
Leading the charge is 25-year-old Marconi Stallions frontman Damian Tsekenis, who sits atop the leaderboard with 11 goals in what has been a breakout campaign. Having previously tasted A-League action with the Central Coast Mariners during the 2021–22 season, Tsekenis has returned to the NPL with a point to prove—playing a pivotal role in Marconi’s strong start to the season.
While his clinical form in front of goal may already be turning heads at the next level, Tsekenis’ focus remains firmly on delivering silverware for one of Western Sydney’s most historic clubs.
Hot on his heels, however, is a wave of emerging talent pushing the pace in what is shaping as one of the most exciting Golden Boot races in recent years.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ 19-year-old striker Awan Lual continues to impress with eight goals to his name, further underlining his potential after already earning opportunities with the club’s A-League setup.
He’s joined on seven goals by Sydney United 58’s Michael Krslovic (21), Sydney FC’s 19-year-old Mitchell Glasson—another who has stepped into A-League Men’s action—and Rockdale Ilinden’s Moudi Najjar, rounding out a tightly contested chasing pack.
The emergence of these young attackers highlights the strength of the NPL Men’s NSW pathway, with clubs continuing to produce players capable of stepping onto the national stage.
One thing is certain, there will be a new name etched onto the Golden Boot trophy in 2026.
Long-time goal-scoring machine Alec Urosevski, who claimed an extraordinary three consecutive Golden Boot titles from 2023 to 2025, has moved on to Bankstown City FC, leaving the door wide open for the next star to rise.
With the season heating up and the goals continuing to flow, the race is well and truly on and if the first 13 rounds are anything to go by, the future of goal-scoring in NSW football is in very good hands.
