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Sport Nation
The 10 Youngest Players in the Australian Championship
Football Australia • October 30th, 2025 5:30 pm
The Australian Championship has already become a proving ground for the country’s brightest young talents, where raw potential meets the demands of senior football.
Across clubs and states, a new generation is stepping onto the national stage, ready to make their mark.
From 16-year-old debutants and composed teenage starters to the competition's youngest ever goal scorer, these are the 10 youngest players already shaping the story of the competition.
Max Court - 16 years, 9 months, 1 day - Wests Apia
Born in 2009, Max Court is the youngest player to step onto the pitch in the Australian Championship, coming off the bench in APIA’s 4-0 win over Sydney United.
A product of APIA’s SAP program, he joined the club at under-9 level and quickly impressed with his technical ability and football intelligence.
Two years ago, as a 15-year-old, Max shone in APIA’s U20s, scoring 24 goals in 32 matches while showcasing creativity, movement, and defensive awareness.
His first-grade debut came on the final day of the 2024 regular season against NWS Spirit FC, fresh off a full U20s match, when coach Franco Parisi handed him the historic opportunity to become APIA’s youngest-ever first-grade player.
A dynamic midfielder and winger, Max is one to watch as he continues his rise in Australian football.
Gabriel Tilo - 16 years, 11 months, 24 days - Sydney United
Tilo made his Australian Championship debut in Round 1, featuring for Sydney United in their 1-1 draw with Bayswater City, the second youngest player to appear in the competition.
He first broke into United’s senior side at the end of the 2025 NPL NSW season, debuting against St George.
Noah Anderson - 17 years, 2 months, 20 days - Marconi Stallions
A Marconi youth product promoted to the senior team specifically for the Australian Championship, Noah Anderson, has already made an impression with three lively cameos off the bench.
He became the competition’s youngest goalscorer at 17 years, 3 months, and 3 days, netting against the Wollongong Wolves in Round 3.
Rex Maddock - 17 years, 5 months, 24 days - South Hobart
A born and bred Tasmanian, Maddock has spent his entire career with South Hobart. Last season, he scored 14 goals in 31 matches across all competitions, including a strike in every round of the Lakoseljac Cup.
Late in 2024, he spent several weeks on trial with Western United’s U23s in the Victorian Premier League, gaining valuable experience at interstate level.
Michael Pratezina - 17 years, 8 months, 25 days - Sydney United
Born in 2008, Pratezina came off the bench in Sydney United’s 4-0 loss to Wests APIA.
He made his first-grade debut in Round 5 against Central Coast Mariners FC and marked his first full start by scoring his maiden NPL Men’s NSW goal in a 1-1 draw with NWS Spirit FC at Christie Park.
Renowned for his technical quality, composure, and maturity on the ball, Pratezina has quickly become one of Sydney United’s most promising prospects.
Oliver White - 18 years, 0 months, 6 days - South Hobart
White made his Australian Championship debut in Round 2 against Marconi Stallions.
He joined South Hobart from Olympia FC in 2022 and, like teammate Rex Maddock, recently spent time on trial with A-League side Sydney FC.
Last season, he scored eight goals from 22 starts across all competitions.
Last season, he scored eight goals from 22 starts across all competitions.
Riley Zsuzsa - 18 years, 2 months, 9 days - Canberra Croatia
Zsuzsa has been part of Canberra Croatia’s setup since 2020 and made his Australian Championship debut in Round 1 against Avondale.
A consistent performer, he started 21 of 26 available matches for Croatia last season, demonstrating reliability and composure beyond his years.
A consistent performer, he started 21 of 26 available matches for Croatia last season, demonstrating reliability and composure beyond his years.
Ethan Sardellis - 18 years, 3 months, 8 days - Heidelberg United
Sardellis made his debut off the bench in Round 1 against Marconi Stallions.
Originally from the Gold Coast, he joined Heidelberg United in 2022 and has been a key part of their U23s, starting 24 matches while making four senior appearances this season.
His versatility and athleticism make him a player of real potential within Heidelberg’s talented young group.
Jesse Hill - 18 years, 8 months, 8 days - Broadmeadow Magic
A Newcastle Jets youth graduate, Hill joined Broadmeadow Magic in 2022 and made his Australian Championship debut in Round 2 against Sydney Olympic.
Just a month earlier, he featured in the Northern NSW NPL Grand Final, coming off the bench to assist Magic’s second goal and seal back-to-back titles.
Jake Porter - 18 years, 10 months, 1 day - MetroStars
At 18 years, 10 months, and 1 day, Porter is the oldest player on this list but one of the most experienced.
The son of former Socceroo Joel Porter, Jake has football in his blood.
He joined MetroStars ahead of the 2025 season after three strong years with Adelaide United’s NPL side, where he built a reputation as a lively forward with pace, intelligence, and an eye for goal.
During his time with Adelaide, he consistently impressed with his movement off the ball and ability to link play in the final third.
Recognised as one of South Australia’s brightest attacking prospects, his move to MetroStars represents the next step in his progression toward senior football at national level.
Now part of a club renowned for developing young talent, Porter’s pedigree, confidence, and attacking instinct make him another to watch in the Australian Championship.
