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On Tuesday I wrote of opportunity and a recent Matt Simon hat trick. Today, the focus shifts to a group of young players with opportunities of their own and the chance to take the A-League by storm.
In a salary-capped league, clubs are forced – thankfully – to develop local talent rather than casually cherry-pick seasoned professionals at will.
Without the purse strings to merely dismiss an underperforming player and instantly purchase an improved version as the uncapped powerhouses of world football often do, A-League clubs look for a diamond in the rough or a young talent with enormous potential.
Hence the game of musical chairs that often takes place during the off-season and the significance of homegrown success stories like Aaron Mooy, Andrew Nabbout and Daniel Arzani are born.
There are a host of players with the opportunity to make 2018-19 their own and put their stamp on the upcoming A-League season. The domestic football world is indeed their oyster and it will be fascinating to monitor their progress.
Nikola Mileusnic (Adelaide United)
One of my personal A-League favourites, Mileusnic, is building a rather impressive body of work in Adelaide.
Now 25 and growing in composure and experience, his nimble footwork and explosive speed have proven a handful for many A-League defenders in his 43 games at the top level.
This could be a turning point in his career with a well-stocked attacking unit assembled by Marco Kurz.
If and when Mileusnic starts to find the net more frequently, the threat he presents will increase considerably and his full potential could be realised.
Adam Taggart (Brisbane Roar)
The thing I like most about Taggart is the simple fact that he bucks the trend of an obvious dearth of local striking talent in the A-League.
His conversion rate in stints with the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory is excellent and his Golden Boot Award with Perth in 2013-14 was a brilliant achievement.
After sad times on foreign shores, injuries and a lack of opportunity, John Aloisi may have just found the x-factor up front for which the Roar was searching.
Personally, I hope Taggart stays fit, in form and slams 20 goals past rival keepers this season. It would great for both Brisbane and Australian football.
(Photo by Ross Swanborough/Getty Images)
Riley McGree (Melbourne City)
Even though McGree’s wonder goal was deemed inferior to a composed and clinical strike by Liverpool’s Mo Salah during the week, the 19-year-old has the world at his feet.
Infectious enthusiasm, speed and a daring spirit, hence the absurd nature of the scorpion kick he brazenly produced from the edge of the box, make McGree one of the most watchable young players in the league.
His move to Melbourne City sets him up for a boon year. He will be surrounded by experience and quality and the effect that will have on his own development will be considerable.
Kenny Athiu (Melbourne Victory)
Much time, energy and patience has been invested in the Sudanese-born attacker. His goal scoring prowess at Box Hill United and Heidelberg United made waves and the Victory were keen to have him.
However, there was an awkwardness about his skills up front when given a chance at the top level and he only managed one goal from six games in last seasons’ campaign.
There is something intriguingly promising about his potential, almost a suggestion that if the key to the 6 foot 7 inch forward is ever found, the A-League might be in for a goalscoring spree.
There were clear signs of improvement in the Victory’s FFA Cup match against Apia-Leichhardt, despite the disappointing result and it was Athiu’s brace that brought Melbourne back into the contest.
Kevin Muscat will be hoping more than anyone that the 26-year-old enjoys his best season on record.
There could be a vital role for Athiu to fill, particularly when Asian Champions League play comes around.
Daniel De Silva (Sydney FC)
It is something of a bizarre and quirky honour to be the first man loaned from one A-League club to another.
Former Central Coast whizz-kid Daniel De Silva will own that label forever and arrives at Sydney FC with a wealth of skill, promise and energy.
Anyone that has seen De Silva play knows his potential and at 21, it is still far from tapped.
With such a slight frame, he lacks the strength through the thighs and buttocks that Daniel Arzani possesses and uses to his advantage, yet there are similarities between them.
If De Silva is able to ‘fill out’ and add a little more physical power to his considerable skill on the ball, Steve Corica may have a gun on his hands.
Sadly for the A-League, De Silva does appear to have a future off-shore but for now, his goal will be to add to his resume with a ripping year of A-League play.
Daniel De Silva of Sydney FC (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Nick Fitzgerald (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Part of me wonders whether people realise just how good Nick Fitzgerald could be or perhaps should be at this point in his career.
It appears the Wanderers might and have purchased the Sydney born 26-year-old as part of an impressive recruitment drive over the off-season.
No doubt, Fitzgerald’s time at Melbourne City has added to his football smarts and he arrives in Western Sydney with the potential to make a significant splash in Australia’s largest football market.
The Wanderers need a fresh approach, some new energy and a clean palette from which to work. A player like Fitzgerald might just savour the change of environment and provide Western Sydney with exactly what they were looking for.
Nick Fitzgerald during his time with Melbourne City. (AAP Image/Dan Peled)
There is a host of promising young talent with the opportunity to take the league by the proverbial scruff of the neck.
Joey Champness and Ryan Kitto spring to mind immediately – both coming off the back of impressive performances last season. In fact, a follow-up piece seems likely.
These are some of my favourites but who do you see as the emerging stars for 2018-19?