Top soccer players set to spark in the 2021 National Premier League finals

SA’s soccer stars will fight for glory as the Football SA National Premier League finals kick-off on Saturday. See our list of must-watch players.

After a Covid-delayed season, the Football SA National Premier League finals are finally upon us.

The top six clubs will clash on Saturday, with Campbelltown taking on South Adelaide, MetroStars playing Sturt Lions, and Adelaide City going head-to-head with Adelaide Comets.

The finals matches will feature some of the state’s best soccer players and we’ve picked the must-watch individuals from each team vying for premiership glory.

ADELAIDE CITY

Kur Kur – attacking midfielder

Adelaide City's Kur Kur has been a midfield machine in 2021. Picture: Adam Butler

Kur Kur has had an immense season for City.

His ability to offer an option for the defence and in turn create countless opportunities for the City strikers is second to none.

The star mid was recently selected for the South Sudan national team and will be looking to continue his brilliant form in this season’s finals series.

Lachie Barr – defender

Adelaide City's Lachie Barr. Picture: Adam Butler

Barr has spent time playing in the UK and it has shown on the pitch this year.

He is a strong, consistent defender who rarely puts a foot wrong with or without the ball.

Barr’s efficient passing and sturdy tackling will undoubtedly be important for City, and he’ll be a key player in the side’s finals run.

ADELAIDE COMETS

Adam LeCornu – defender

Adelaide Comets defender Adam Le Cornu has had one of his strongest seasons yet. Picture: Supplied

Another of the league’s star defenders, LeCornu is among the best one-on-one players in the competition.

He has been a major part of the Comets’ top of the table run this season, consistently locking down opposing strikers and wingers.

The Comets will need LeCornu at his best if they are to continue their strong play and contend for the spoils at the end of this year’s finals campaign.

Nathan Andijanto – midfielder

Andijanto has been on a high since the latest matchweek where he scored a last-minute winner against Adelaide Olympic to give his side top spot heading into finals.

The play sums up the midfielder’s game, he always performs in big matches and comes up clutch when the team needs a spark.

He has the ability to both create for strikers and score his own goals, and will be a danger against any side this postseason.

CAMPBELLTOWN CITY

Alex Mullen – midfielder

Campbelltown City’s Alex Mullen. Picture: Supplied

Formerly with the A-League’s Sydney FC, Mullen has employed his experience and skill to high effect for Campbelltown this season.

He plays predominantly as a holding midfielder and is excellent at protecting the defence and controlling the flow of the game when he has the ball.

There is no doubt Mullen will be a standout player this finals.

Marc Marino – striker

Marino is this season’s top scorer, with 13 goals to his name.

He always finds space and is consistently able to keep defences guessing with clever runs.

This combined with a top-drawer ability to put the ball in the back of the net makes him a threat to any side.

He’s fighting to be fit after a hamstring setback, but if he can make the team, he will be lethal.

METROSTARS

Hamish Gow – attacking midfielder

Metrostars midfielder Hamish Gow has been a force this year. Picture: Adam Butler

Gow is always a threat with the ball at his feet.

Opposition midfielders seem to find it tough to mark the skilled midfielder, with his spatial awareness and ability to find the ball arguably unmatched throughout the competition.

His knack for making deadly final passes for strikers could prove to be a telling factor this finals series.

STURT LIONS

Michael Marrone – defender

Picture by Adam Butler

Ex-Adelaide United star Marrone is the most versatile defender in the National Premier League.

The skilled backman can play either wing-back position or hold his own in centre-back.

If Marrone is at his best, attackers will find it almost impossible to beat him one-on-one and his aerial prowess will also cause issues for bigger strikers.

SOUTH ADELAIDE

Jonathon Rideout – striker

Supplied by Football SA

South Adelaide’s top scorer with 12 goals across 20 matches, Rideout has been a dangerous talisman all season.

He boasts deadly speed and has one of the cleanest strikes of the ball in the competition.

If the Panthers can create multiple opportunities for Rideout in this finals series, he’ll damage any opposition.