Opinion
Over 30 of Australia’s best young players are in a week-long training camp in Canberra, in preparation for the AFF U-16 Youth Championship in August, which is held in Jakarta
This is the second camp in 2022 that has been held under the watchful eyes of Trevor Morgan and Tony Vidmar – with a final 23-man squad to be selected next week for the upcoming tournament
Australia has won the AFF U-16 Youth Championship in 2008 and 2016, as well as finishing second in 2012, and third in 2013, 2015, and 2017.
They will need to finish first in Group C, or as the best overall runner up in the three groups, to advance to the semi-finals of the competition.
One of the most eye-catching things about this squad, is how eastern states heavy it is with the players chosen.
There is shockingly only 1 player selected from South Australia, a state many within the game – believe to be the best at producing youth in the last half decade,
Of the players in this camp, several have connections to greats of yesteryear as well some who have potential to become household names in the A League as well as play in Europe in the next few seasons.
Luka Coveny is the son of legendary NSL, A-League and all whites striker, Vaughn; who is the under 21s manager at Western United. – Luka however, is not a striker like his famous father was – he is a defender.
Nicholas Zdrillic is the son of former Australian marksman, David who has gone on to become a successful coach; currently as the assistant at Serie A club Genoa
Meanwhile Fabian Talladira is the son of Adelaide City great Carlo and shares the same tenacity.
Three A-League sides who are heavily maligned when it comes to lack of youth production – Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory & the Western Sydney Wanderers have some interesting selections
The Middleton twins from Sydney – Jared & Lachlan are a defender and midfielder that the club are particularly proud of and expected to have a great future in the sport.
Melbourne Victory also has their own twin brother selection, Jesse & Jordan Hoey – whose pace, and ability should see them have a long career.
While All eyes might be on the Wanderers highly regarded Max Hately, but it is under rated team mate – Ayman Gualsi who has the technical skills and vision to become a success
The group phase kicks off on Tuesday, 2 August against Myanmar followed three days apart by matches against Cambodia & then Malaysia
Peter ANTONIOU – Melbourne City FC
Daniel BENNIE – Perth Glory FC
Dean BOSNJAK – Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Rylan BROWNLIE – Brisbane Roar FC
Luka COVENY – Melbourne Victory FC
Zachary DE JESUS – Sydney United 58
Miguel DI PIZIO – Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Ben DUNBAR – Melbourne City FC
Oscar FRYER – SD Raiders
Daniel GRASKOSKI (Gk) – Northcote City FC
Ayman GULASI – Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Max HATELY – Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Gus HOEFSLOOT (Gk) – Sydney FC
Jesse HOEY -Melbourne Victory FC
Jordan HOEY – Melbourne Victory FC
Angelo KALAMVOKIS – Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia
Pearson KASAWAYA -Sydney FC
Daniel LAZAREVSKI – Melbourne Victory FC
Andriano LEBIB – Perth Glory FC
Cyrus MALSAWMKIMA -Brisbane Roar FC,
Jared MIDDLETON – Sydney FC
Lachlan MIDDLETON – Sydney FC
Justin MOYA – Brisbane Roar FC,
Alex NASSIEP (Gk) – Melbourne Victory FC
Alexandro NUNES – Newcastle Jets FC
Anthony PAVLESIC (Gk)- Western Sydney Wanderers
Jaylan PEARMAN – Perth Glory FC
Isiah QUINN – Brisbane Roar FC,
Tiago QUINTAL – Sydney FC
Andre RIZGALLA – Sydney FC
Dylan ROSE – Sydney FC
Xav STELLA – Melbourne City FC
Fabian TALLADIRA -Adelaide United FC
Nicholas ZDRILIC – Sydney United 58 FC
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