Rising Stars Of The A-League

Its great to see the National Australia Bank getting involved in supporting the identification of the next generation of Socceroos. The fact that the FFA now have attracted corporate sponsorship for its A-League Youth award is yet another indication of the growth of the game within this country.

Of course the NAB have been long time supporters of young sporting talent in this country with their long standing sponsorship deal with the AFL for their Rising Start award. The $10,000 investment portfolio on offer isn’t huge but it is a start and for these players starting out on hopefully long and successful careers it is an excellent sweetener.

I am a little disappointed though that they have decided to leave the age at Under 21 for this award, I would prefer that it drop down to Under 20 to really reward those players who are climbing through the youth ranks into senior level.

So who are the early favourites to take the award this year? Here are my top 5 chances to take out the award.

5. Mitch Nicols – Brisbane Roar
Nichols is one of those players that looks a million dollars one week, ten cents the next. He came along in leaps and bounds last year however and should cement his position in the Mariners starting line up this year, though the presence of Charlie Miller will likely push him out of his preferred position.

He gets himself into scoring position on a regular basis and the Roar tactics allow his sometimes lack of precision passing to become less important. To win the award though he will need to play and score regularly.


4. Luke DeVere – Brisbane Roar
DeVere has been a revelation at Roar, his solidness in defence belies his years and it certainly hasn’t hurt him having Craig Moore as a mentor. He had fourteen appearances last season but I am expecting him to be the first choice starter this year.

This will be a big year for DeVere and if he can improve even more on last year he is sure to attract the attention of overseas clubs. With the Roar shaping up as a very tough defensive team DeVere will have the chance to shine.


3. Tahj Minniecon – Gold Coast
With Minniecon’s switch to the Gold Coast he has a new manager to impress and a team full of experience to beat out for a starting role but his pre-season has been impressive and his runs down the right hand side a standout for the Gold Coast. Miron is a big fan and a starting spot seems likely.

The improvement in his game under Farina was exceptional and this year may just be the year he finally puts it all together and becomes one of the most lethal young wingers we have. The potential is there, Miron just has to bring it out.


2. David Williams – Nth Queensland Fury
It is a huge coup for Nth Queensland to pick up Williams on loan from FC Brondby where he is currently out of favour. A quick striker who can be dazzling when playing well Williams will be hoping to secure a starting spot in the Fury line up.

He is super quick and has a excellent nose for goals. The big question mark will be whether the Fury midfield can provide him with the service he needs but if he gets going, watch out, he might just outshine Fowler.


1. Kofi Danning – Sydney FC
This kid is special and I am fully expecting this to be his last year in the A-League. A class midfielder who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and an eye for goal. He has the special ability to be in the right place at the right time and seems to be always on the scoresheet.

If he can win a first team starting spot, he is going to star this year. I suspect he will get the nod as the left midfielder for Sydney and there are going to be a few opposition right backs who end up with nightmares after chasing him around all day.

And there is the outstanding question of whether he will be allowed to play for Australia at the Youth World cup. If he isn’t that will be a few weeks more he will be on show in the A-League.

9 Days to Season V
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