Damian Mori’s son Josh and Carlo Talladira’s nephew Vincent added to Adelaide City’s first team squad

THE surnames Mori and Talladira were fixtures on the Adelaide City team sheet in the 1990s - now a new generation from the two families is making its mark.

THE surnames Mori and Talladira were fixtures on the Adelaide City team sheet during the club’s trophy-laden days in the former National Soccer League.

Now a new generation of players from the two families has broken into the Black and Whites’ first-team squad as they aim to reclaim their place at the top of SA soccer.

Josh Mori, son of City coach and former striker Damian, and Vincent Talladira, nephew of ex-midfielder turned assistant coach Carlo, have been promoted to the club’s Premier League squad for 2014.

The teenagers, who came through the junior system at the club, both scored for City’s reserve side in its season-opening win over West Adelaide last month.

Damian says the pair will need to prove they can make the step up to senior football to make their first-team debuts this season.

“We just treat them like any other players,” says Damian, the joint Socceroos leading goalscorer.

“Josh is just a squad player at the moment — he might get some game time this year, he might not.

“But I think it’s a proud moment for most parents who have been involved at a club to see their kids come through.

“It’s obviously nice to see him put on the black and white.”

Josh, 16, has impressed observers with his ball-playing ability out of central midfield.

Damian, who scored 131 goals in 207 national league games for City, says he has encouraged his son to forge his own career.

“It can sometimes be a disadvantage when you have a family member that’s played the game at a high level,” the three-time NSL championship winner says.

“All I’ve said is be yourself and be your own person.

“There’s no free ride in this game and he’s not getting one from me either.”

Carlo played in four NSL grand finals for City, winning titles in 1991/92 and 1993/94.

He says family ties run rich through the Oakden-based club.

“I’m Adelaide City born and bred from juniors,” Carlo says.

“In the ‘90s Adelaide City had quite a bit of success (and) it’s a great pleasure to see other people follow in your footsteps.”

Vincent, 17, is Carlo’s brother’s son, while his sister’s son, Paul Blefari, is also a regular in the City line-up.

Carlo says “repetition, hard work and discipline” are the key principles he has passed on to young players in his family.

“There’s no favouritism at all,” he says.