Despite doom and gloom around the A-League, a fresh group of teens across the league are poised to inject a shot of charisma and talent to next season’s competition.
Dan Hall
Club: Central Coast Mariners
Position: defender
What an outstanding prospect.
And an outstanding leader.
Skipper Hall led the Mariners to an imperious 6-2 win in their weekend grand final victory. And he was rewarded for a regal performance with the Player of the Game medal by FNSW.
The A-League youngsters also won the league and were superbly led by Hall, the club's Y-League player of the year.
Hall, signed from Queensland in 2018, was also an NPL player of the year.
Jay Barnett
Club: Melbourne Victory
Position: midfield
Barnett, 19, moved south from Brisbane Roar’s youth set-up in 2019.
And it’s paid dividends with experience in last season’s A-League and ACL.
Clearly, new Victory coach Grant Brebner rates him.
Barnett is one of a clutch of youngsters who were given a good run during the A-League’s return in July and August.
Brebner has re-signed Barnett as he looks to reinvigorate the A-League behemoth.
Expect to see more of Barnett and a host of talented youngsters this season.
And with experienced pros such as Calum McManaman joining Brebner’s revolution, Barnett and Co will be able to accelerate their learning.
Kai Trewin
Club: Brisbane Roar
Position: Midfield/defence
There’s a lot to like about teenage Trewin.
He’s versatile.
Trewin has played in central defence for the youth national teams.
But the former AIS student can also play as a six.
He’s technical, has a good attitude and work-rate.
He’s had a taste of senior football over the last year.
Expect to see more of Kai Trewin next season in Brisbane.
Josh Rawlins
Club: Perth Glory
Position: Defender
Born in 2004, Rawlins has been on the fringes of Glory all while still in school.
In fact, as a 15-year-old, he debuted against Manchester United in their 2019 friendly.
Another of the Joeys to play at the World Cup in Brazil, Rawlins was named in the club’s ACL squad.
WATCH Josh Rawlins interview on national team duty
Now, under new coach Richard Garcia, can Rawlins convert his potential into minutes in the senior side?
Related Articles

Socceroo-in-waiting seals Championship deal

Fringe Socceroo swerves A-League to remain in Europe after Fulham exit
