With the highly competitive 2022 NPL Men’s season now firmly in the rear-view mirror, Clubs in Victoria’s top tier have been actively shuffling their squads in search of improvement ahead of the fresh campaign. Football Victoria recaps all the player signings announced by the Clubs.
The first registration window officially opened on Friday, January 13, and ended on Tuesday, February 7- allowing for plenty more player movement.
A second registration window for the NPL will open on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, and end on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
ALTONA MAGIC
INS:
- Christian Rossi (Werribee City)
The talented shot-stopper arrives at Paisley Park following impressive displays at Werribee City and Richmond SC.
- Cian Cuba (Olympic FC)
The creative midfielder arrives via NPLQ, having played with Gold Coast United, and Olympic FC, while he has also played in Spain & Uruguay.
- Darcy Anastovski (Melbourne Victory)
The young attacking option has proved to be a proven goal scorer during his four years with the Victory.
- Charlie Leech (Perth Glory)
The young attacking midfielder who likes finding the back of the net will look to add another dimension to Markovski’s style of play.
- Zac Bowling (Broadmeadow Magic)
The young gloveman has played in the NSW NPL as part of the Newcastle Jets Academy before crossing to Victoria.
Bowling had many clubs impressed and Australia talking in that incredible Australia Cup Round 16 player of the match performance vs Bentleigh Greens last year.
- Justin Micallef (Melbourne Knights)
The attacking midfielder will provide plenty of experience to the Magic, having played in domestic competitions both in Malta and Spain before playing for the Melbourne Knights.
- Aaron Anderson (Melbourne Victory)
The central defender has been part of the Victory youth and NPL structure that led him to his professional debut against Daegu FC in the 2019 AFC Champions League.
- Paolo Bonanni ( CD Llosettense)
Paolo 23, arrives via CD Llosettense in Spain where he has spent the last seven months. The defender was previously part of the Sydney FC youth setup for five years where he played most of his football.
OUTS:
- Chris Oldfield (Melbourne Knights)
AVONDALE FC
INS:
- Mackenzie Syron (Central City FC)
Syron has moved from NPLM1 in NSW and after being on the lookout for a new challenge, he has found himself a new home in Avondale.
- Ayden Brice (Melbourne Knights)
The center-back has signed with Avondale from Melbourne Knights, where he spent the 2022 season. Previously, Brice spent the season 2020 with NPL Northern NSW side, Edgeworth Eagles where he only conceded eight goals throughout the campaign.
- Gavin De Niese (Dandenong City)
The defensive midfielder has international experience, having played in Argentina and Portugal as well as NPL Victoria clubs South Melbourne and Dandenong City.
- Zander Guy (St Albans)
Originally from Queensland, Zander Guy shone at St Albans in 2022, scoring eight goals for the Saints. Naturally, a winger, Guy has also proved adept as a striker due to his pace, movement, and finishing.
- Thomas Manos (Melbourne Knights)
The 26-year-old will look to establish himself as the new number-one keeper moving forward.
OUTS:
- Bon Scott (Bentleigh Greens), Scott Hilliar (Bentleigh Greens), Stefan Valenti (Oakleigh Cannons), Brandon Lundy (Oakleigh Cannons)
BENTLEIGH GREENS
INS:
- Daniel Lucente (Pascoe Vale)
Having spent the vast majority of his career to date with A-Leagues Men’s giant Melbourne City, Lucente represents a strong option at full-back, and another young, exciting addition to the Greens squad.
- Alec Mills (Kingston Heath)
A product of Victoria’s North-East, Mills is a former Goulburn Valley Suns and Murray United junior who has enjoyed A-League youth experience with Melbourne City.
- Jackson Morgan (Perth SC)
The South Sudan international played seven games in NPLWA, and finished with an average pass completion of 84%, as well as recovering possession for his team 47 times.
- Luka Ninkovic (Heidelberg)
25-year-old striker Luka Ninkovic arrives at the club following a stint at Heidelberg and already has a relationship with new Greens coach Alfredo Costantino.
- Gavin O’Reilly (Shamrock Rovers)
Gavin O'Reilly has returned home to Bentleigh following a stint with Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.
- Kane Runge (Dandenong Thunder)
Bentleigh has added to their goalkeeping depth for next season, signing former Dandenong Thunder shot-stopper Kane Runge who most recently played for the Thunder, however, has also plied his trade for the Broadmeadow Magic and Newcastle Jets in the A-League.
- Mitch Rooke (Lambton Jaffas)
NPL Northern NSW Champion Mitch Rooke has also agreed to join the club ahead of next season. The dynamic midfielder has an eye for goal and has enjoyed three great years in the NPL NSW.
- Mario Barcia (Oakleigh Cannons)
Bentleigh has signed 33-year-old Mario Barcia on a two-year deal. A product of the famed Newell’s Old Boys academy, Barcia also represented Argentinian giants Independiente in his youth, before embarking on a storied professional career that has taken him to Bolivia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Australia.
- Aydin Mustedanagic (Pascoe Vale)
Former Melbourne Victory academy player Aydin Mustedanagic has on with the Cannons after two impressive seasons at Pascoe Vale in NPL2.
- Thiak Kuel (Inglewood United)
The versatile midfielder is comfortable in central midfield, as a number six, box-to-box midfielder, and can also play in defence.
- Manase Abandelwa (Inglewood United)
Exciting Western Australian talent Manase Abandwela possesses incredible pace, a powerful shot on goal, and a deceptive amount of strength.
- Bon Scott (Avondale)
The former Brisbane Roar, Brisbane Strikers, and Avondale FC shot-stopper, Bon Scott is set to bring plenty of experience to Kingston Heath.
- Scott Hilliar (Avondale)
The Greens are delighted to welcome experienced ball-playing defender Scott Hilliar to their playing ranks, following stints at Wellington and Avondale FC.
OUTS:
- Jack Webster, Yagoub Mustafa (Hume City, Mitch Hore (Melbourne Knights), Corey Sewell (Melbourne Knights), Danny Kim (South Melbourne), Jack Painter-Andrews (South Melbourne), Ajak Riak (South Melbourne), Pierce Clark (Perth Glory), Pierce Waring (Green Gully)
DANDENONG THUNDER
INS:
- Geoffry Lino (Hellenic FC)
Lino is a striker who is set to add some attacking depth to the Thunder, he has previously played at clubs such as Marconi Stallions, NWS Spirit, and Hellenic FC.
- Josh Karantz
The young midfielder who boats experience playing in NSW adds depth to the club's midfield depth.
- Kasper Hallam (Melbourne Victory)
The Thunder have signed the former South Hobart and Melbourne Victory prospect who will provide an option on the wings.
- Halil Reci (Dandenong South)
Dandenong has secured the services of local youth talent Halil Reci after a stint at Dandenong South.
- Majak Mawaith (Port Melbourne)
Dandenong Thunder has a new man in between in the sticks next season with the signing of South Sudan international Majak Mawith.
- Luke Adams (Green Gully)
The Thunder have announced the signing of decorated NPL central defender Luke Adams for next season after a successful stretch at South Melbourne and Green Gully and also representing New Zealand five times at a senior level.
- Jay Davies (Sydenham Park SC)
The central midfielder makes his return to the NPLM after previously playing for Green Gully from 2016-21.
- Grad Damen (Top Oss)
The creative midfielder makes his way to the NPLM after making a name for himself in the Dutch first and second divisions, he has also played for Helmond Sport and NAC Breda.
- Kieran Dover (Langwarrin SC)
The midfielder is a well-known face at George Andrews Reserve, having had previous stints in the red and black before his time at Green Gully, Bentleigh Greens and Langwarrin.
OUTS:
- Kane Runge (Bentleigh Greens), Cameron McGilp (Oakleigh Cannons), Ali Sulemani (South Melbourne)
GREEN GULLY SC
- Taylor Schrijvers (Melbourne Knights)
The New Zealand defender boats experience and are set to be a mainstay in the Green Gully squad.
- Thierry Iradukunda (Melbourne Knights)
The former Melbourne Victory and Western United product find himself at Green Gully following a stint at the Knights. He is a defensive midfielder with superb touch.
- Pierce Waring (Bentleigh Greens)
The forward crosses from the Greens, having experience in Japan and A-League level. He made his Melbourne Victory debut in 2018, coming on as a substitute for Besart Berisha against Adelaide United.
OUTS:
- Luke Adams (Dandenong Thunder), Alex Salmon (Oakleigh Cannons)
HEIDELBERG UNITED FC
Heidelberg has yet to announce any signings for the 2023 season
OUTS:
- Ivan & Joseph Franjic (Heidelberg), Luka Ninkovic (Bentleigh Greens)
HUME CITY FC
INS:
- James Brown (Caroline Springs George Cross)
The midfielder returns to Hume FC after previously spending time at the club in 2021 and will bring plenty of experience to the club, having played at three A-League clubs over his career.
- Dylan McGlade (Cork City FC)
This classy midfielder joins Hume from League of Ireland First Division club, Cork City FC after spending the last 10 years in The Republic of Ireland and the UK.
With a plethora of impressive skills and experience, McGlade can create chances going forward as well as having an eye for goal himself.
- Zach Maltby (Lions FC)
Having spent a few years in Celtic FC’s youth squad, the highly talented prospect has returned to Victoria and should see plenty of playing time for Hume City.
- Yagioub Mustafa (Bentleigh Greens)
Mustafa has signed on with Hume City for 2023, following a season at Bentleigh Greens. He scored the match-winning goal for Bentleigh in the 2022 Dockerty Cup Final.
- Tomas Maricic (Dandenong Thunder)
Hume City has managed to secure the signature of Dandenong Thunder defender Tomas Maricic in a massive coup for the club. Standing at 200cm, Maricic will provide quality in the air and on the ground.
OUTS:
- Danny Dixon, Alex Walter, Lucas Trenkovski, Aden Gardner (North Geelong Warriors)
MELBOURNE KNIGHTS FC
INS:
- Gevaro Neppmuceno (Cherno More)
The Knights have signed Curacao international, Gevaro Nepomuceno ahead of the 2023 NPL Victoria season. The 30-year-old winger arrives at Somers Street with an impressive CV, having plied his trade in the Europa League, Portuguese, Romanian and Bulgarian top flights, English Football League and Dutch Eerste Divisie.
At international level, Nepomuceno is Curacao’s second most-capped player, having represented his country 47 times since making his debut in 2014. The wide man, who has scored eight times for his nation played in Curacao’s most recent matches against Indonesia in September.
- Mitch Hore (Bentleigh Greens)
The 26-year-old is best known for his engine, playmaking and ability in tight areas. He was a key cog in the Greens side that won the 2022 Dockerty Cup and reached the Australia Cup Round of 16.
- Ciaran Bramwell (Perth Glory)
The 20-year-old striker made 27 A-League appearances for Perth Glory, scoring three times. The forward also top-scored for Glory’s youth side in the 2022 NPL WA season, finding the back of the net eight times in 14 games.
- Corey Sewell (Bentleigh Greens)
26-year-old defender, Corey Sewell has also rejoined the Knights after spending the last three seasons at Bentleigh Greens. In 2022, Sewell was crowned the Greens Players’ Player in a season that included a Dockerty Cup win and run to the Australia Cup Round of 16.
- Chris Oldfield (Altona Magic)
Former three-time NPL Victoria Goalkeeper of the Year Chris Oldfield has arrived at Somers Street following two seasons at Altona Magic.
- Steve Whyte (Olympia FC)
26-year-old Steve Whyte has signed who has earned plaudits around the country for his technical ability has signed a two-year deal with the Knights.
- Ivan & Joseph Franjic (Heidelberg)
In a massive coup for the Knights, the Franjic brothers return to Somers Street, adding a wealth of experience to the defensive unit.
Ivan represented the Socceroos on 20 occasions, playing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and was part of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup winning side.
Joseph Franjic is also an experienced NPL campaigner who has plied his trade for Hume City and Heidelberg in the Victorian top flight.
- Joshua Phelps (Tormenta FC)
The Melbourne Knights have bolstered their defensive stocks with the addition of 6'4 central defender Joshua Phelps. The 29-year-old, who is originally from Australia spent six seasons with Tormenta (USA) culminating in this year’s Championship winning season, in which he played 30 matches.
OUTS:
- Justin Micallef (Altona Magic), Ayden Brice (Avondale), Theiry Iradukunda (Green Gully), Dylan Murnane, George Ott, Thomas Manos, Taylor Schrijvers (Green Gully), Steve Sokol, Thomas Manos (Avondale)
MORELAND CITY FC
Moreland City has yet to announce any signings for the 2023 season
NORTH GEELONG SC
INS:
- Nikola Jurković (St Albans)
North Geelong welcomed Nikola Jurković to the club as the club prepares to join the NPL having first made his club senior debut in 2015.
- Marvin Brauweiler (Geelong SC)
The 30-year-old German midfielder is one of North Geelong's visa players in 2023, having played senior football in the Rhine region. Brauweiler joins the club from Geelong SC, where he played 18 of 22 matches with four goals in a defensive midfield role.
- Ibrahim Mohamed (Geelong SC)
The box-to-box midfielder may be a familiar name to the North Geelong Warriors family, Ibrahim is the younger brother of Yusef Mohamed who played at the club in 2019.
- Aden Gardner (Hume City)
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is set to add some polish to the Warriors outfit next season. Gardner has a knack for set pieces and the club is looking forward to seeing his finishing ability next season.
- Seth Szkuta (Corio SC)
After a couple of years at Corio SC where he earned the trust to take up the custodian role between the sticks. Szkuta returns to North Geelong where he spent his junior years in NPL to take up the opportunity to fight for the number one spot in NPL1.
OAKLEIGH CANNONS FC
INS:
- Emlyn Wellsmore (Port Melbourne)
Wellsmore, who has signed a two-year deal with the club, started his career with the Central Coast Mariners Academy and was selected and played for the New Zealand U17 World Cup team. After a series of successful seasons in Brisbane and Gold Coast, Emlyn played for Port Melbourne for the last two years before being approached by Oakleigh Cannons.
- Alex Fiechtner (Old Lions)
Fiechtner's journey started at a young age as his father had a strong rugby league background but didn't want him to get into that, so he sent him to play football in Under 6’s. He is no stranger to success as he won the 2022 Golden Boot award and was crowned Minor Premiers with Qld Lions in the NPL.
- Stefan Valentini (Avondale)
The Cannons have signed former Avondale FC striker Stefan Valentini on a three-year deal.
In 2015, Valentini made his professional senior debut for Perth Glory in the 2015 FFA Cup against Newcastle Jets, winning a penalty off the bench, and giving Glory a 2-1 lead.
After spending a couple of seasons with Glory, he decided to mix it with the best and push boundaries by trying his luck in Germany playing for Eintracht Braunschweig II and TuS Erndtebrück. Following three seasons in Germany, Valentini decided to return to Australia and joined Avondale FC.
- Brandon Lundy (Avondale)
Joining Valentini at Oakleigh is his former Avondale FC teammate Brandon Lundy, also on a three-year deal. After a couple of seasons with the Newcastle Jets, Lundy moved across to APIA Leichhardt FC where he scored four goals from 63 appearances. In 2019 he moved back to Australia, signing for Avondale where he went on to score two goals from 40 matches.
- Cameron McGilp (Dandenong Thunder)
Oakleigh has also announced the signing of former Melbourne Victory prospect Cameron McGilp on a two-year deal. The 24-year-old played the 2022 NPL season with Dandenong Thunder, scoring two goals from 18 matches.
- Alex Salmon (Green Gully)
Alex Salmon is an English footballer who was a prolific goal scorer for recently played for Green Gully SC last season. He has previously played for Alloa Athletic, Carlisle United, Celtic Nation and Workington, and Western Australian clubs Armadale, Bayswater City and Inglewood United.
- Brodie Boyce (Peninsula Power)
A natural-born leader, Boyce also captained the U15 Australian Joeys in 2017 to a third-place finish as they toured Thailand for the ASEAN Championship. His fierce defending and strong leadership abilities led the Brisbane Roar to pick up the young central defender where he'd go on to win the National Youth League Championship before returning to the Sunshine Coast.
OUTS:
- Following their Championship triumph, Oakleigh announced Matthew Foschini has called time on his playing career due to work commitments.
- Mario Barcia (Bentleigh Greens)
PORT MELBOURNE SC
- Mohamed Adam (FC Imabari)
The Sharks have added to their attacking stocks with the former Western Sydney Wanderers forward. He will add pace, creativity and flair to their final third.
OUTS:
- Majak Mawaith (Port Melbourne), Jeremy Walker (Essendon Royals)
SOUTH MELBOURNE FC
INS:
- Nathaniel Hancock
Hancock is a versatile player who can play in any position across the back four or midfield and will be looking to add further toughness to the SMFC lineup. Before his time in the UAE, he had an impressive stint at Adelaide Raiders after arriving from St George in NSW.
- Ajak Riak (Bentleigh Greens)
The 2022 premiers have revealed the signing of former Bentleigh Greens forward Ajak Riak, he can play both as a traditional center-forward and on either wing.
- Jack Painter-Andrews (Bentleigh Greens)
SMFC has also acquired the services of Bentleigh Greens utility Jack Painter-Andrews who emerged as one of the most reliable right-footed defenders in the NPL while playing for Bentleigh.
- Danny Kim (Bentleigh Greens)
The former Australian Youth International has also spent time with Geylang in Singapore, whilst also having spells at Brisbane Roar in the A-League and Lions FC in Queensland before heading to Bentleigh in the NPLVIC.
- Ali Sulemani (Dandenong Thunder)
One of the more dangerous and creative midfielders in the NPL, Ali Sulemani has also signed on with South Melbourne for next season.
- Kosta Emmanuel (Eastern Lions)
Young winger Kosta Emmanuel has made the big jump from recently relegated Eastern Lions to 2022 Premiers South Melbourne.
OUTS:
- Isaak Torossian, Chris Irwin, Matthew Loutrakis, Jai Ingham, Chris Couesnon
ST ALBANS SC
St Albans has yet to announce any signings for the 2023 season
OUTS:
- Zander Guy (Avondale)
*Football Victoria has listed the signings announced by the clubs as of Thursday, February 9, 2023.