Kiwis in Aus below A-League level

As pointed out to me on Twxtter.
Tom Biss | CM
Brunswick City SC (NPL VIC 2)
23 appearances | ⚽ 5

Joel Clissold | LM/LW
Cooks Hill United (Northern NSW NPL)
17 appearances | ⚽ 5

The latter is managed at Cooks Hill by long time All White Chris Zoricich - Still a top 10 for all time appearances for New Zealand.

George Ott has had a couple of weeks to remember for his club side Avondale FC in the NPL Victoria.

They sewed up their first ever NPL Premiership (regular season) win a couple of weeks back, and in typical Australian sporting style they made it through to today's Championship final where they walloped traditional Victorian football powerhouses South Melbourne FC 4-0 to win their first ever Championship.

So they do the league double -  And yes, the Otter was there too after finishing national team duties having been involved in the OFC Olympic Qualifiers right up until last night - Must have made for an early departure out of Auckland International this morning, and because of that he was named on the subs bench. He did manage to get on for the final 10 minutes or so, helping himself to an assist for his side's fourth goal. 

Great couple of weeks for the lad - League double and Olympic qualification with the national side. It could get even sweeter for him too as Avondale are one of the sides who have submitted their proposal to be included in the NSD, whenever that gets announced. 

Hopefully after all this he's found himself involved at a club that will give him a shot at professional football once more. 🤞

Emlyn Wellsmore makes the Victorian All Stars side to face Queensland

The @footballvic squad for the men’s leg of the Victoria vs @FootballQLD all star games has also been released.

Melbourne Knights players will miss due to @AustraliaCup duty but the likes of Brad Norton, Liam Boland, Javi Lopez, Josh Hope, and Gianluca Iannucci all feature. pic.twitter.com/4Y0TLui99W

— Joey Lynch (@joeylynchy) September 15, 2023

Ridenton made the bench for the Queensland side when this was played a week or so ago, can't find a starting XI to see if Wellsmore played.

With Auckland getting a team, I wonder if we will see Ridenton head home?

RR

Ridenton made the bench for the Queensland side when this was played a week or so ago, can't find a starting XI to see if Wellsmore played.

With Auckland getting a team, I wonder if we will see Ridenton head home?

If he's made himself a life in Brisbane (been there 3-4 years now), he might try and pick up a deal with a National Second Tier (NST) club. If the proposed new NST kicks off next year, there is likely to be at least one Brissy team in the mix. Though not his Lions club, who haven't entered a bid.

coochiee

RR

Ridenton made the bench for the Queensland side when this was played a week or so ago, can't find a starting XI to see if Wellsmore played.

With Auckland getting a team, I wonder if we will see Ridenton head home?

If he's made himself a life in Brisbane (been there 3-4 years now), he might try and pick up a deal with a National Second Tier (NST) club. If the proposed new NST kicks off next year, there is likely to be at least one Brissy team in the mix. Though not his Lions club, who haven't entered a bid.

he's only 27, so still young enough to make a crack at the a-league, if he thinks he's good enough hten why wouldn't he give Auckland a try?

theprof

coochiee

RR

Ridenton made the bench for the Queensland side when this was played a week or so ago, can't find a starting XI to see if Wellsmore played.

With Auckland getting a team, I wonder if we will see Ridenton head home?

If he's made himself a life in Brisbane (been there 3-4 years now), he might try and pick up a deal with a National Second Tier (NST) club. If the proposed new NST kicks off next year, there is likely to be at least one Brissy team in the mix. Though not his Lions club, who haven't entered a bid.

he's only 27, so still young enough to make a crack at the a-league, if he thinks he's good enough hten why wouldn't he give Auckland a try?

Again depends whether he's made a nice life for himself in the Sunshine State (coaching on the side?). He's tried the ALM with 3 different clubs, so may have come to realise in all honesty he's not good enough to be a regular starting player at that level. He had a season at the Lions with Louie Fenton who's moved onto other stuff post football. But yeah for sure he could be sort of player an Auckland club target as an experienced squaddie. Who really knows.

Oh & 23 yr old Wellsmore played for Victoria. Mentioned early in this game report, plus also involved in the pen shootout to decide the contest. Another who may be looking at a pro gig in the new NST (if it happens).

https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/news/battle-states-mens-report

Victoria’s first shot on target came in the 20th minute through Emlyn Wellsmore as he sent a long ball in the direction of the keeper which doubled as a cross that almost found the head of NPLM Victoria’s all-time leading scorer, Liam Boland.

Oakleigh Cannons’ Emlyn Wellsmore made it seven converted penalties in a row across both sides and then Queensland captain Joe Duckworth made it eight as the pressure went back on the Vic’s.

Kiwis can get Aussie citizenship after living there for 4 years now, that might be another pathway back to the ALM for him. 

James Bayliss, who some of you may recall was over here in New Zealand trialling with the Nix during the pre season, has now signed on for NSW NPL outfit Marconi Stallions for the 2024 NPL season.

A strong team, in a strong competition, and a lot of history as a club. It also keeps him close by and within the NSW catchment of A-League clubs if he has a strong season.

Marconi finished 4th in the recently finished 2023 NPL season. 

Ben Stroud to Perth SC, Danny Hay's club 

Phil Jones

Ben Stroud to Perth SC, Danny Hay's club 

Good move. Turned down another season in Finland to go there going off one of the articles I read. 

Here's a list of Kiwi's I've been tracking movements for (to or within Australia).

Daniel Edwards

Resigned ✍️ Port Melbourne Sharks

Taylor Schrijvers 

Resigned ✍️ Green Gully SC

George Ott

Resigned ✍️ Avondale City FC

Scott Hilliar

Resigned ✍️ Bentleigh Greens SC

Oliver Duncan

Resigned ✍️ South Coast Wanderers FC

James Bayliss

Unattached ➡️ Marconi Stallions

Ben Stroud 

Unattached ➡️ Perth SC

Andrew Withers 

Port Melbourne ➡️ Bentleigh Greens

Jorge Akers

Waterside Karori ➡️ Eastern Lions

Gianni Bouzoukis

Wellington Olympic ➡️ NWS Spirit

Stef Cordwell

Waterside Karori ➡️ Glenorchy Knights

Josh Redfearn 

Auckland United ➡️ Glenorchy Knights

Kingsley Sinclair

Eastern Suburbs ➡️ Oakleigh Cannons

Sean Cooper 

Dunedin City Royals ➡️ Bulleen Lions

Dan Champness 

Moreton Bay ➡️ Moreton City Excelsior FC

Max Batchelor

Bulleen Lions ➡️ Brunswick Juventus

Keegan Smith

Devonport Strikers ➡️ Sturt Lions

Josh Tollervey

Wellington Phoenix ➡️ Preston Lions

Tollervey & Smith haven't been officially revealed by clubs as yet.
There are more than this, I just haven't updated my list. Will sort over the next few weeks.

Just noticed there are a lot of Kiwis that will be playing for clubs that include the moniker 'Lions' 😂

Anyway, here's another Kiwi on the move
Seth Clark
San Diego State ➡️ Edgeworth Eagles - NNSW NPL

Probably should have included the competition they're all playing in besides the team name, but you guys are smart people, so you can work it out. 

YoungHeartHM

Just noticed there are a lot of Kiwis that will be playing for clubs that include the moniker Lions. 😂

Anyway, here's another Kiwi on the move
Seth Clarke
San Diego State ➡️ Edgeworth Eagles - NNSW NPL

Probably should have included the competition they're all playing in besides the team name, but you guys are smart people, so you can work it out. 

Wasn't 23 yr old Seth Clark a bit of young star for Canterbury United in the old Handy Prem. Ex NZ U23s. Not quite fulfilled that promise?  Edgeworth Eagles was Jeremy Brockie's last club of note. He finished up there in 2022, and looks like he's now retired at 36.

coochiee

YoungHeartHM

Just noticed there are a lot of Kiwis that will be playing for clubs that include the moniker Lions. 😂

Anyway, here's another Kiwi on the move
Seth Clarke
San Diego State ➡️ Edgeworth Eagles - NNSW NPL

Probably should have included the competition they're all playing in besides the team name, but you guys are smart people, so you can work it out. 

Wasn't 23 yr old Seth Clark a bit of young star for Canterbury United in the old Handy Prem. Ex NZ U23s. Not quite fulfilled that promise?  Edgeworth Eagles was Jeremy Brockie's last club of note. He finished up there in 2022, and looks like he's now retired at 36.

Maybe a bit harsh, he was training with North Carolina FC not too long ago before heading out to San Diego, where I believe he's since finished his studies.

Might just be a change of scenery for him going from the USA to Aussie which might work better for him. Perhaps he's found a location that suits his career outside of football as well. 

Tollervey move officially confirmed.

We proudly welcome talented forward, Josh Tollervey, to Preston.

We eagerly anticipate his goal-scoring flair and passion for the game which align with the spirit of our club. We're thrilled to have him and look forward to a season filled with success. pic.twitter.com/bKYPkEBXZn

— Preston Lions FC (Official) (@prestonlionsfc) January 11, 2024

Busy day for Kiwis on the move, or at least confirming where they'll be playing this year.

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Good move for Zac. Happy to see a few younger Kiwi lads knocking about in Australia now as well. 

Positions himself well with an NSD club after leaving the Central Coast Mariners.

Former Manukau United winger Tom Golding signs for promoted side Manningham United (VIC NPL) and in the process makes the step up a tier after leaving Eastern Lions (VPL1) this off season.

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As mentioned earlier - Confirmation of Seth Clarke to Edgeworth Eagles for the Northern NSW NPL 2024 season.

Actually looked at the league structure for Football NSW to see what updates they had for the season ahead, and if he does well there's no reason he couldn't get a look in at say the Newcastle Jets who are just down the road.

For reference, the Jets youth team plays in the FNSW League Two - Two tiers further down the NPL structure. 

Ya never know. 😁

Danny Hay revolution in full effect over in Perth. D'Hotman becomes the second Kiwi signed + Jack Cawley out of Wellington Olympic in the lead up to the NPL season in WA.

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That's a lot of Kiwi lads making their way over to Aussie this off season. 

Good move, and good luck to the kid.

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Matt D'Hotman (#13) makes his Perth SC debut as his side win 4-3 over Floreat Athena in the Western Australia NPL Night Series (think pre season cup).  No Ben Stroud unfortunately.

As always with a lot of the Aussie NPL sides, coverage is patchy, and this match is no exception... So apart from the score, no other details are available as yet.

Matt Ridenton looks like he'll be staying in Brisbane this year and playing for Lions FC once again. Aidan Munford who was sort of on the fringes last season, having been the regular #1 prior seems to have moved on though.

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Good start to the pre season 'Kappa Pro Series' competition last night too - a double for Ridenton and an 8-1 win for the Lions.

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Why would you schedule the start of your QLD NPL pre season, on the same night your local ALM club (the Roar infront of a poor 5,000 crowd) are playing. Dysfunction between the ALM & local football, worse in Aussie than NZ maybe.

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Xavier Pratt joins QLD NPL outfit Gold Coast United from Northern League side Hamilton Wanderers for the 2024 season.

coochiee

Why would you schedule the start of your QLD NPL pre season, on the same night your local ALM club (the Roar infront of a poor 5,000 crowd) are playing. Dysfunction between in the ALM & local football worse in Aussie than NZ maybe.

To answer your question, from the standpoint of a lot of the local clubs over there (not all of them mind you) they just have a genuine apathy towards the A-League in general.

It doesn't make it any better that they play at the 50,000 seat Suncorp... But still, you'd think there would be some level of co-ordination to drive the crowds up a bit more.

Another Kiwi heading over to the NSW NPL. Announcement to come over the next week.

Just a reminder that NPL season kicks off in Victoria this weekend.

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A collection of the latest signings/re-signings from about the place as well.

Not even sure which league Keilor Park SC are even in, but I recognised the name so chucked it in. 😅

Last one is Michael Eagar who has signed for Werribee City in the VPL1 - The tier down from NPL VIC.

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One time NZ U19 rep Joe Knowles is off to NSW NPL side St George City FA. 

Was the same side Nicholas Burke was at before injury ended his season prematurely last year.

Updated list of players heading across the ditch or re-signing in Australia for 2024.

Sources include club websites, social media feeds, aggregator websites (Transfermarkt, Soccerway), club or player insiders.

If a player isn't on the list, it's because I haven't seen or heard any official signing details. So there will probably be more to add over the coming days as squads finalise before the season kicking off this weekend.

Max Argent 

Perth Glory (U18) 👶

Ruben Argent 

Perth Glory (U18) 👶

Anton Isaako

Sydney FC (U18) 👶

Luka Coveny 

Western United (U18) 👶

Ty Cobb

Brisbane Roar II 👶

Daniel Edwards

Re-signed ✍️ Port Melbourne Sharks

Taylor Schrijvers 

Re-signed ✍️ Green Gully SC

George Ott

Re-signed ✍️ Avondale City FC

Scott Hilliar

Re-signed ✍️ Bentleigh Greens SC

Oliver Duncan

Re-signed ✍️ South Coast Wanderers FC

Matt Ridenton

Re-signed ✍️ Lions FC

Hayden McHenery

Re-signed ✍️ Peninsula Power

James Bayliss

Unattached ➡️ Marconi Stallions

Ben Stroud 

Unattached ➡️ Perth SC

Andrew Withers 

Port Melbourne ➡️ Bentleigh Greens SC

Jorge Akers

Waterside Karori ➡️ Eastern Lions

Gianni Bouzoukis

Wellington Olympic ➡️ NWS Spirit

Stef Cordwell

Waterside Karori ➡️ Glenorchy Knights

Josh Redfearn 

Auckland United ➡️ Glenorchy Knights

Kingsley Sinclair

Eastern Suburbs ➡️ Oakleigh Cannons

Sean Cooper 

Dunedin City Royals ➡️ Bulleen Lions

Dan Champness 

Moreton Bay ➡️ Brisbane Strikers

Max Batchelor

Bulleen Lions ➡️ Brunswick Juventus

Josh Tollervey

Wellington Phoenix ➡️ Preston Lions

Tom Golding 

Eastern Lions ➡️ Manningham Blues

Matt D'Hotman de Villiers

Melville United ➡️ Perth SC

Zac Zoricich

Central Coast Mariners II ➡️ Sydney Olympic

Seth Clark

San Diego SU ➡️ Edgeworth Eagles

Xavier Pratt

Hamilton Wanderers ➡️ Gold Coast United

Sione Fa'apoi 

Auckland United ➡️ Brunswick City SC

Jaiden van der Heijden

Eastern Suburbs ➡️ Keilor Park SC

Michael Eagar
Port Melbourne ➡️ Werribee City

Joe Knowles

Eastern Suburbs ➡️ St George City FA

Luke Adams

Dandenong Thunder ➡️ Langwarrin SC

Taylor Schrijvers steps up as our Captain, bringing his unparalleled defensive mastery and leadership on and off the pitch.

Joining him as Vice Captain is the incredibly talented Josh Hope.

Together, Taylor and Josh embody the spirit and ambition of Green Gully SC. Go Gully! pic.twitter.com/HwisOPc7JA

— Green Gully SC (@GreenGullySC) February 8, 2024

Taylor Schrijvers named as club captain ahead of the Victorian NPL season. 

Victorian season kicks off with the OG Melbourne Derby - South Melbourne FC v Melbourne Knights in just over an hour. 

All Victorian matches this season are able to be watched for free via the Victorian NPL YouTube page btw.

Messaged a few of the clubs chasing up Kiwi re-signings. 

Joel Clissold (formerly of Eastern Suburbs) has re-signed with Cooks Hill United in the Northern NSW NPL. Announcement of that coming shortly.

He was there last year too, but my changes to his Transfermarkt have obviously gone unheeded...

Four Kiwis in Victorian NPL action tonight.

Taylor Schrijvers (c) starts against Moreland City.

Emlyn Wellsmore starting for Oakleigh Cannons, with Kingsley Sinclair on the bench in their match against Manningham United.

Tom Golding on the opposite side starts for newly promoted Manningham.

Latest  update from me. 😅

Dylan Tate 

Redlands United ➡️ Southside Eagles

Nikola Bugarcic

Easterns Suburbs FC ➡️ Southside Eagles

Tom Biss 

Brunswick City SC ➡️ Werribee City FC

Michael Eagar 

Port Melbourne ➡️ Werribee City FC

Jackson Simpkin has also re-signed with Brisbane City FC for 2024.

Emlyn Wellsmore with a nice finish for Oakleigh Cannons in Vic NPL1 over the weekend. Goal at the 40:50 mark.

Another goal from Emlyn Wellsmore. Vic NPL Goal of the Week!

Stickers

Another goal from Emlyn Wellsmore. Vic NPL Goal of the Week!

Good goal, but that was from last season against Moreland City.

Emlyn Wellsmore with another goal last night in Vic Npl.

Here's his last 3 goals....

Aidan Munford has a new home in the ACT, having moved to NPL Capital Football outfit Gungahlin United in the off season.

They started their season last weekend with a 6-0 win over Tuggeranong United. He also made the Capital Football team of the week for his troubles.

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I've been a bit lacking on coverage for Australian based Kiwis this year, but the player i've kept an eye out for the most would have to be Luka Coveny - He's been playing basically week in, week out for their VPL side (the tier below NPL). Wouldn't surprise me if he were to earn a scholarship deal over the next wee while, especially if Western United pivot towards developing their youth and promoting from within their own setup ala what most of the A-League teams are doing already.

Wonder if a few Aussie footballers have moved to the ACT NPL, with Canberra United to launch into the ALM next season? Increase your chances of getting a A League by being based local. Though of course Canberra being ready for next season is now under serious doubt.

24 yr old Munford was born in Aussie, so presumably holds an Aussie passport (so a non visa for any Aussie ALM club). He was a short term signing at the Roar in 2021 (sat on the bench once), and previously was at the SFC and Mariners Academies. He'll still have a desire to crack the ALM.