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Check out every NPL and VPL clubs recruits for the 2024 season here

Some big names have moved clubs, including a NPL championship winner and Aussie underage internationals. Check out every NPL and VPL club’s new faces here.

Latest NPL and VPL Victoria recruits.
Latest NPL and VPL Victoria recruits.

There’s no shortage of new faces across the NPL and VPL this summer.

With the new season fast approaching clubs are finalising their squads with some impressive talent coming in.

There’s former internationals, championship winners, Players of the Year and Golden Boots.

There’s even a couple of Australian underage internationals.

Check out every club’s confirmed recruits below.

Stephen Lawless joins Altona Magic for 2024.
Stephen Lawless joins Altona Magic for 2024.

ALTONA MAGIC

Stephen Lawless: A massive coup for the Magic, securing the reigning NPL2 league best-and-fairest from Werribee City. The Irishman scored five goals in 26 appearances this season to help the Bees finish mid-table. The 28-year-old has played in Ireland, Sweden and New Zealand before arriving in Victoria. Set to play a key role in midfield in 2024.

Nathan Liberto: Spent time with Adelaide United’s youth set up after coming through the ranks at Caroline Springs George Cross. Returned to Victoria with St Albans before joining Brunswick Juventus where he played 20 matches this season. Will add a spark in midfield.

Jay Kelly: Another arrival from NPL2 relegated Brunswick Juventus. Kelly scored four goals in 17 appearances this season and will be a handy addition to the Magic attack. The 28-year-old also has experience at Canberra Olympic, Richmond, St Albans and Werribee City, so shouldn’t have any problem settling in quickly.

Nedim Skenderevic: A one-time Melbourne Victory academy player, the defender-midfielder lands at Paisley Park after switching from Box Hill United. Has also represented Preston Lions and Dandenong City over the journey. Expected to provide a cool head in the backline.

Aaron O’Driscoll: Definitely one to watch in 2024. O’Driscoll has graduated from the vaunted Southampton and Manchester City youth programs. Captained Southampton at youth and reserve grade level as well as his native Ireland at underage level. The centre back arrives from New Zealand club Christchurch United, having previously played at Shelbourne and Longford Town in the Irish Premier Division.

Nuh Sehavdic: Lands at the Magic via NPL Queensland outfit Peninsula Power but is no stranger to the Victorian competition have previously played for Melbourne Victory NPL, Preston Lions and Dandenong City. A dangerous player in the front third, the club hopes can follow in Cian Cuba’s footsteps.

Ben Ratajczak: Stuck behind Goalkeeper of the Year Javi Lopez, the young goalkeeper trades Lakeside Stadium for Paisley Park. The Western Australian youngster has previously played in the NPL WA with Bayswater. Is a strong addition to the Magic’s renovations under new coach Goran Lozanovski.

Jordan Dellidis: Steps up to the top-flight after three seasons at VPL1 club Melbourne City and an earlier stint at Melbourne Victory. A developing centre back with composure and physicality, which will serve him well against some of the best strikers in the Premier Leagues. Played 23 matches this season, showcasing his durability.

AVONDALE

TBC

DANDENONG CITY

TBC

DANDENONG THUNDER

Pierce Clark: Moves east after spending the second half of 2023 with Heidelberg United. The former Perth Glory gloveman has also represented NPL Victoria powers South Melbourne and Bentleigh Greens in a distinguished career. The Thunder also have South Sudan international Majak Mawith on the books although no announcement has been made about his re-signing.

Brandon Barnes: A massive boost for the Thunder’s attack with the Englishman’s return from Cambridge-based club Slimbridge. Barnes took home the NPL2 Golden Boot in 2016 with a stunning 41 goals and backed it up in 2017 with 35 before making it a hat-trick of goalscoring awards with the NPL Golden Boot in 2018, scoring 22 goals in 22 matches. In his time at Frank Holohan Reserve, Barnes scored 136 times in 116 appearances.

Ismail Haji: Makes the switch from NPL2 club Kingston City, which he joined mid-season from Green Gully. The midfielder made 15 appearances for the Cavaliers before six matches for Kingston.

Paul Kuol: One of the leading lights in Kingston City’s fight for promotion in NPL2 this season, finishing the campaign with seven goals in 25 matches. Will be one to watch in the top-flight in 2024 with his ability to make something out of nothing for his team.

Daniel Fabrizio: Makes the cross-town move from St Albans, where he scored two goals in 25 senior matches this season. The 25-year-old can play on either wing, adding much-needed versatility to the Thunder squad.

Troy Ruthven: Split his time between Port Melbourne and St Albans this season, making 24 appearances combined. Was at Altona Magic in 2021, making the Thunder his fourth stop in three seasons. The midfielder is a handy inclusion for a squad that lost considerable depth in the off-season.

GREEN GULLY

TBC

HEIDELBERG UNITED

TBC

HUME CITY

Harry Ascroft: The addition of the Dandenong Thunder captain immediately strengthens City’s backline. Ascroft brings A-League experience with Central Coast Mariners, has represented Australia at under-20 level and played professionally in the Netherlands, Malta and Ireland. Is sure to improve the club on and off the field under coach Cam Watson.

Lloyd Isgrove: A contender for recruit of the off-season. Isgrove is a Welsh international, making his one appearance off the bench against Northern Ireland in 2016. The winger arrives from English minnows Sholing but had previously spent three seasons at Bolton Wanderers, making 53 senior appearances. Came through the elite Southampton youth system and went on to play at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Portsmouth and Swindon Town.

MANNINGHAM UNITED

TBC

MELBOURNE KNIGHTS
TBC

MORELAND CITY

TBC

OAKLEIGH CANNONS

TBC

PORT MELBOURNE SHARKS

Eoghan Stokes: An Ireland international at under-16, 17 and 19 level. After coming through the Leeds youth system, the attacking midfielder jumped around Ireland Premier League clubs before moving to New Zealand this year to play for Christchurch United. Scored a staggering 15 goals in 16 games to help United win the Southern League and Chatham Cup.

Jesse Barber: The young striker returns to the Sharks after spending 2023 with Geelong in VPL2, scoring one goal in 10 appearances. Will look to further develop his game at one of the best clubs in the state and make an impact whenever the opportunity presents.

Alec Becvinovski: Jumps across from VPL2 club Melbourne City for the 2024 season. Played 13 matches as City came close to winning promotion. Has the skill and will look to up his game in the state’s top flight.

Andrico Mesourouni: Arrives from NPL2 club Kingston City, where he made 22 appearances and scored three goals this season. Spent time overseas in Spain and Greece before returning to Australia. Will add some spark on the wings for the Sharks.

Daniel Serra: The wing back made a handful of senior appearances for North Geelong last season. Would have got plenty of experience in a Warriors defence that was regularly under pressure this season. Moves to the Sharks looking to take his game to the next level.

Iliya Shalamanov-Trenkov: A massive get for Port Melbourne, both literally and figuratively. The Queenslander stands at 195cm and has come through the ranks of Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia. Has been in and around Australia’s under-23 set-up.

Lucas Byrns: Was a part of Western United’s NPL squad this season, which went close to securing promotion from NPL2. Bryns made 15 appearances in midfield and will add nicely to the Sharks mix.

Nathaniel Hancock: Signed for South Melbourne this season after returned to Australia after a stint in the UAE. Versatility is his weapon, able to play across the backline or midfield.

SOUTH MELBOURNE

Emile Peios: The Australia under-23 representative spent 2023 with Melbourne City’s academy in NPL2, making 24 appearances and scoring five goals. The midfielder also spent time at Belgium club St.Truiden’s youth team. Will look to work his way into a starting spot in South’s strong midfield.

Jordon Lampard: The fullback crosses from NPL rival Green Gully, looking to bring his defensive smarts and ability to join the attack to Lakeside Stadium. Scored two goals this season and is durable, making 51 appearances in the past two seasons for the Cavaliers.

Ross Archibald: The experienced defender adds another NPL Victoria heavyweight to his list of clubs having also spent time at Bentleigh Greens, Avondale, Altona Magic and Port Melbourne. Made his A-League debut for Melbourne Heart, replacing Harry Kewell, and also spent a season in Germany at Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Mario Barcia: Despite Bentleigh’s struggles this season, Barcia was a shining light, impressing throughout. With the Greens’ relegation, South has picked up a star midfielder who will slot nicely into the engineroom. The Argentine joins countryman coach Esteban Quintas at Lakeside Stadium and will look to bring some flair and toughness to Hellas’ midfield.

Cian Cuba: With running mate Jonas Markovski moving to Brisbane Roar it was no surprise to see Cuba leave Altona Magic and he’s popped up at South Melbourne. The Queenslander had a memorable debut NPL Victoria season, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists – mostly to golden boot Markovski. The likes of Harrison Sawyer and Max Mikkola will be salivating at the thought of playing alongside Cuba.

Nahuel Bonada: Another Argentine arrives at Lakeside and adds another dangerous attacking option. Bonada scored six times in 19 matches for Green Gully this season and will look to up that output in 2024 alongside the likes of Harrison Sawyer, Cian Cuba and Max Mikkola.

Harrison Sawyer: Returns to Lakeside Stadium after a stint in Finland with VPS and Indian club Jamshedpur. In his previous stay, Sawyer led South to the 2022 NPL Victoria premiership and won the Golden Boot with 17 goals. In all, he has 25 goals in 42 appearances for the club.

ST ALBANS

TBC

VPL1

BENTLEIGH GREENS

Anton Kinnander: Was leading the NPL2 goalscoring race with Werribee City before being lured to Melbourne Knights mid-season. Had 11 goals in 18 matches for the Bees but only scored once in 10 appearances for the Knights. The former Sweden youth international will lead the line as Bentleigh attempt to bounce back up to the top-flight.

Kieran Dover: Follows coach David Chick across from Dandenong Thunder where he scored five goals in 21 matches this season. Will add some class to Bentleigh’s midfield.

Luke Pavlou: Only made the eight NPL1 appearances for Dandenong Thunder in 2023 but will hopefully see more time on the park in 2024. David Chick brought him a cross for a reason and he’ll be looking to repay the faith.

Deniz Yildiz: Scored one goal in 12 appearances for Dandenong Thunder and will look to boost his output with Bentleigh both in terms of scoring and appearances.

Jay Davies: The Englishman will be hoping to cement his spot in central midfield after only the seven games in 2023 for Dandenong Thunder. Came through at Peterborough and Woking and has previous NPL experience at Green Gully.

Andy Withers: The evergreen goalkeeper will take the No.1 job at Kingston Heath after an impressive 2023 that saw Port Melbourne concede just 34 goals – fourth fewest in NPL1. Will be a much needed general in defence.

Perry Lambropoulos: After 35 games for South Melbourne in the past two seasons, the experienced defender joins Bentleigh. The Greens will certainly hope he can bring the experience and professionalism instilled in him at Lakeside to Kingston Heath.

Anton Kinnander in action for Melbourne Knights.
Anton Kinnander in action for Melbourne Knights.

BRUNSWICK CITY

TBC

BULLEEN LIONS

TBC

CAROLINE SPRINGS GEORGE CROSS

TBC

EASTERN LIONS

TBC

KINGSTON CITY

Cooper Legrand: The Mauritius international returns to The Grange after a season with Dandenong City, playing 16 matches and winning the NPL2 championship. Played 24 games the year before as City were relegated.

LANGWARRIN

TBC

MELBOURNE CITY

TBC

MELBOURNE VICTORY

TBC

NORTHCOTE CITY

Trent Skapetis: The prolific forward joins Hercules from NPL2 rival Kingston City where he scored 34 goals in 48 games. Perhaps none as famous as the long-range thunderbolt against South Melbourne in the Australia Cup, the first of two goals as Kingston knocked over the NPL heavyweight. Finished the 2023 season with 11 goals in 19 NPL2 matches.

Matthew Loutrakis: The midfielder also crosses from Kingston City, where we played 18 matches this season. Strong on the ball, Loutrakis will add some toughness to the City engineroom. Was previously listed at South Melbourne where he was a part of Hellas’ 2022 premiership-winning squad.

NORTH GEELONG WARRIORS

TBC

PRESTON LIONS

Marcus Schroen: A massive coup for the Lions, securing the South Melbourne great. Will instantly make Preston’s midfield one of the best in the VPL. Spent time in the Den Bosch youth system in the Netherlands before returning home to Australia with Melbourne City, Dandenong Thunder and Hume City. Won a Dockerty Cup at Hume and reached the Australia Cup semi-final before returning to South, his junior club. Went on to win a NPL Victoria championship, earning the Jimmy Rooney Medal, and won a Hellas best-and-fairest.

Luc Jeggo: A coup to lure the gun midfielder out of Green Gully where the Jeggo name is legendary. After coming through the Melbourne Victory youth system he had stops in Norway and the Faroe Islands before returning to Australia. h career. Jeggo scored three goals in 19 appearances for the Cavaliers this season.

Bon Scott: The veteran goalkeeper has a sparkling resume with A-League stops at Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar, backstopping Brisbane Strikers to a Australia Cup semi-final in 2019 and earning NPL Queensland Goalkeeper of the Year honours. Lured south by Avondale before moving to Bentleigh Greens this year.

Adrian Valenti: A regular in Australia’s national underage squads, representing the country at under-17 and 20 level. Loves getting up and down the left side as either a full-back or winger. Won a National Youth League title with Western Sydney Wanderers. Looms as potentially one of the best recruits at VPL1 level for 2024.

Alec Mills: Brings A-League experience after spending time at Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar. A commanding central defender capable of reading the playing and then turning defence into attack with a pin-point pass.

Domenic Folino: Comes out of the Melbourne City Academy to boost the Lions defence. Appeared in all 24 VPL1 matches for City this season and scored two goals. A strong defender who can clearly get forward and get on the end of it in dangerous positions.

Luke Oresti: A graduate of the Melbourne City Academy but was limited to just seven games and one goal this season, leading to a fresh start. The attacking midfielder will look to bring his best to Preston, an ability to score and create.

Giorgio Serdenes: Another Melbourne City Academy product. Still only 19 and with his best football ahead of him, the Lions will hope he can find his scoring touch after three goals in 2023. Shows some grit too, with an ability to tackle and win the ball back

WESTERN UNITED

TBC

WERRIBEE CITY

TBC

VPL2

ALTONA CITY

TBC

BEAUMARIS

TBC

BOROONDARA-CAREY EAGLES

TBC

BOX HILL UNITED

TBC

BRUNSWICK JUVENTUS

Choi Won-Suk: Despite suffering relegation, Juventus conceded the fourth fewest goals in NPL2 this season and only gets stronger in goals with the addition of the reigning NPL2 Goalkeeper of the Year. Choi switches from Bulleen Lions – who conceded the fifth most goals – and figures to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the competition.

Matt Lazarides: A stalwart at NPL1 club Hume City, Lazarides’ signing is a significant coup for Brunswick. The left back will look to keep things tight at the back and get forward when possible to whip in crosses from wide. A Dockerty Cup winner with Hume.

Steve Sokol: Crosses from NPL2 club Northcote City where he scored six goals in 21 appearances this season. A former Melbourne Knights player and Golden Boot winner in NPL WA, Sokol will add a much-needed boost to a Zebras’ attack which scored the fewest goals in the competition in 2023.

Ayrton Redmore: The Aussie defender has been playing in the USA for the past seven years. The 24-year-old was on the books at Jacksonville Armada in the third tier of Major League Soccer and also played college football for LSU Shreveport and Purdue.

Terence Carter: The Englishmen spent time in the USA before making the move to Australia. Has experience at the likes of Adelaide City, Preston Lions and was with Pascoe Vale in 2023. He scored four times in 17 appearances for the Rams.

Max Batchelor: Arrives from NPL2 club Bulleen Lions where he scored four goals in 23 matches this season. Adds another option to Brunswick’s attack with his ability to finish or create for his teammates.

Joshua Urbina: A graduate of the Melbourne Victory Academy, Urbina will add a threat to the Juventus forwardline with his pace and skill. Arrives from Box Hill United, where he made 11 appearances this season, and has previous experience at Preston Lions and Dandenong City.

Nicolas Gonzalez: Juventus further bolsters its attack with the addition of Gonzalez, a Melbourne City Academy graduate. Made 12 appearances for Bulleen Lions in NPL2 this year and has previously featured for Brunswick City and Caroline Springs George Cross.

Mitchell Graham: Capable of playing across the backline, Graham is a graduate of the Melbourne City Academy. The defender made 16 appearances for Green Gully in NPL1 this season and will add nicely to the Zebras’ mix.

Matt Cundari: Played 17 games for Preston Lions in 2022 but didn’t take the field this year. Arrives with plenty of experience having been a key part of St Albans’ side for several seasons. Brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the midfield.

Lucas Vas: Arrives from neighbouring rivals Brunswick City and adds further depth to the Zebras’ attack with his versatility and creativity.

Stefan Ristic: Scored four goals in 26 appearances this season for Bulleen Lions. The Melbourne Victory Academy graduate has also spent time at Altona Magic and will nicely to Brunswick’s midfield mix.

Phill Petreski: Played almost every game this season for NPL2 club Kingston City and Juventus hopes he can bring the same durability and consistency to its line-up. Has previously played for Bulleen Lions, Northcote City and Melbourne City NPL. Adds leadership and experience to the midfield.

Trey Sadler: A favourite son returns. Sadler was with NPL2 rival Northcote City this season, helping Hercules to reach the Australia Cup Round of 32, starting in the 2-0 loss to Adelaide United. Played a key role in the Zebras’ Australia Cup run in 2019 too.

DOVETON

TBC

ESSENDON ROYALS

Brad Norton: One of the biggest recruiting coups of the off-season. The South Melbourne captain and 300-game great returns to Cross Keys Reserve having played one season for the club as a teenager. Made the grade at Adelaide United before returning to Melbourne and winning plenty of silverware with South. Hopes to bring that success to the Royals.

Seb Lo Monaco: A Royals junior returns to the club after four years with the Melbourne City and Western United academies. Will slot into the Royals attack nicely and figures to be a consistent threat to rival defences.

James Tieri: Crosses from Pascoe Vale where he was named the Under-21 Player of the Year this year. The promising young full-back will look to continue his senior football development after three senior matches for the Rams. .

Ethan Georgopoulos: A member of Pascoe Vale’s successful under-21 team last season and now looking for more senior opportunities. A central midfielder who will look to develop his game alongside the likes of Vince Lia and Brad Norton. Made two senior appereances this year.

GOULBURN VALLEY SUNS

TBC

MELBOURNE SRBIJA

Luka Ninkovic: A contender for recruit of the season with the striker going from NPL heavyweight South Melbourne to the newly promoted VPL2 club. Scored one goal in two appearances for Bentleigh before making a mid-season move to Hellas, scoring one goal in 10 matches. Will provide plenty for the club on and off the field.

Gianluca Ferrario: The Argentine striker arrives from San Marino club Faetano. Played for Italian outfit Moliterno and came through the Atletico Acassuso club in Buenos Aires. Should give rival defences plenty of problems with his height and strength.

Ryan Brown: An attacking weapon, Brown scored nine goals in 20 appearances for Beaumaris this season. The star forward won a State League 1 South-East championship with the Sharks in 2022, bagging 13 goals.

NORTH SUNSHINE EAGLES

TBC

NUNAWADING CITY

TBC

PASCOE VALE

Harry Monaghan: A massive recruiting coup for the Rams, securing the Hume City captain. Monaghan is a stalwart of the NPL1 competition and has been one of the best defenders in the competition in recent years. Played 16 games for Hume in 2023.

Daniel Lucente: The defender returns to Paco after a year with Bentleigh Greens. Lucente played every match for the Greens and will be a key player in the Rams’ bounce back campaign.

Koray Cekic: Played 15 NPL1 games in 2023, splitting his time between Hume City and Moreland City. Will look to establish himself as a more regular contributor at NPL3 level.

Maximo Naveiro: The Argentine defender split his time between Box Hill United and Preston Lions this year but returns to Pascoe Vale for 2024. Had signed for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, which were cancelled by COVID.

Aden Gardner: One of North Geelong’s best in a relegation season, scoring three goals in 20 appearances. Returns to Paco after one season with the Warriors and brings plenty of experience from his time in the top-flight.

Birhan Elibol: Spent half a NPL1 season at Moreland City and the second half with Hume City. Played 23 games combined and scored one goal for each club. Looking to cement himself in the first choice XI at Pascoe Vale.

Thomas Alisandratos: The young gun returns to Hosken Reserve after a super campaign with Western United’s under-21s. Alisandratos was United’s top-scorer with 15 goals – ranking him fourth in the league – and added seven assists. Earned promotion to the under-23’s and added another goal to his tally.

Harry Cakarun: The young goalkeeper arrives from Melbourne Knights hoping to get some senior experience.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/sport/check-out-every-npl-and-vpl-clubs-recruits-for-the-2024-season-here/news-story/041fc08fb362e97a538b4d4982f6d7a4