Elite stars of NPL NSW season earn A-League Men call-ups ahead of 2024/25 campaign

The NPL NSW has always been a breeding ground for new football talent. Check out the standout players who have been called up for the A-League Men season.

James Temelkovski scored the opener for Marconi Stallions in the 2024 NPL Men NSW grand final. Picture: Nielsen Images

After an enthralling season, three stars of the NPL Men NSW have earned themselves call-ups to the A-League Men for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The premier NSW league has always been a breeding ground for young, up-and-coming football talent and A-League clubs have been keen to snap them up.

Check out the NPL stars who are set to make their A-League debuts this season.

James Temelkovski was outstanding for Marconi Stallions in 2024. Picture: Football NSW

James Temelkovski - Marconi Stallions to Western Sydney Wanderers

James Temelkovski was the story of the NPL season.

He moved to Marconi Stallions at the start of the year from a stint in NPL South Australia, where he claimed the 2023 golden boot with North Eastern Metrostars.

The 26-year-old quickly established himself as a player to watch, regularly scoring bangers for the Stallions and leading the club’s premiership charge.

He opened the scoring in the NPL grand final win over Rockdale Ilinden and was named Man of the Match.

Temelkovski recorded 18 goals in his 25 matches, earning a spot in the league’s Team of the Season.

His signing with an A-League club comes as no surprise, with Temelkovski to be one of the debutants to watch across the league this season.

Dean Pelekanos - Rockdale Ilinden to Western Sydney Wanderers

Dean Pelekanos playing for Rockdale Ilinden in the 2024 NPL Men NSW season. Picture: Nielsen Images

Following a few seasons finding his feet in the NPL, Dean Pelekanos is set to make his A-League debut after signing with the Western Sydney Wanderers for the upcoming season.

The 23-year-old was previously part of the Wanderers’ Academy, captaining the club’s League One side to its eventual promotion to the NPL in 2022.

He left the Academy and moved to St George City FA for the 2023 season before joining Rockdale Ilinden this year, making 31 appearances as the team went on to claim the premiership.

Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic said Pelekanos would be a great addition to the midfield.

Oscar Fryer - Sydney FC Academy to Newcastle Jets

Teenage young gun Oscar Fryer has made the jump to the A-League, signing on with the Jets from the Sydney FC Academy on a two-year deal.

The 18-year-old spent the past two seasons in the NPL Men NSW with Sydney FC, mostly featuring in the U20s squad but also making a few first grade appearances, after moving from SD Raiders at the end of 2022.

Fryer usually plays on the wing but can also double as a striker and is hoped to boost the Jets’ attacking stocks this season.

Ben Gibson - APIA Leichhardt to Newcastle Jets

Ben Gibson was a stand out for APIA Leichhardt in the 2024 NPL Men NSW season. Picture: Brett Nielsen.

Ben Gibson’s hugely impressive 2024 season with APIA Leichhardt has seen him sign his first A-League contract with the Newcastle Jets. 

The 21-year-old scored 19 goals in 26 matches, earning him a spot in the NPL Men NSW Team of the Season.

Gibson is one of 11 new signings for the Jets this year, with the club undergoing a full rebuild ahead of the new season.

Originally published as Elite stars of NPL NSW season earn A-League Men call-ups ahead of 2024/25 campaign