Thomas Kevin Aquilina (born 2 February 2001) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a right-back for the Newcastle Jets.
 Aquilina with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2021 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Thomas Kevin Aquilina[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 2 February 2001 | ||
| Place of birth | Camden, Australia | ||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Right-back | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Newcastle Jets | ||
| Number | 39 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Blacktown Spartans | |||
| FNSW NTC | |||
| 2015-2017 | Western Sydney Wanderers | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2017–2022 | Western Sydney Wanderers NPL | 32 | (2) |
| 2019 | → Sutherland Sharks (loan) | 1 | (0) |
| 2020–2022 | Western Sydney Wanderers | 40 | (0) |
| 2022–2023 | Central Coast Mariners | 12 | (0) |
| 2023– | Newcastle Jets | 27 | (0) |
Medal record | |||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 29 April 2024 | |||
Early life
editAquilina attended Bossley Park High School where he was enrolled into the selective Talented Football Program.
Aquilina is of Maltese descent.
Career
editWestern Sydney Wanderers
editAquilina's professional football career began at the Western Sydney Wanderers, having come through their youth program, starting in the U15 squad in 2015.[2] Aquilina made his A-League debut in the first round of the 2020-21 season, and had reportedly attracted interest from European clubs by the end of his first season.[3] Aquilina spent a second season at the Wanderers, before departing after 42 appearances at the end of the 2021-22 season.[4]
Central Coast Mariners
editHaving departed Western Sydney Wanderers, Aquilina joined the Central Coast Mariners for the 2022-23 season.[5] Aquilina cited his reason for his move as an opportunity to build his career with the Mariners towards a move to a European club, given the Mariners had a strong recent track record of sending their talented players to play in Europe.[6]
Aquilina made 13 appearances for the Mariners across all competitions, before departing mid-way through his first season with the club.[7]
Newcastle Jets
editAquilina's departure from the Mariners came via a swap deal with the Newcastle Jets, which saw Aquilina join the Jets in exchange for James McGarry heading to the Central Coast.[8] The Mariners and Jets share a fierce rivalry, the F3 Derby, making this a controversial move for both players involved.
Honours
editInternational
edit- Australia U20
- Australia U17
References
edit- ^ a b "MAS U18 v AUS U18" (PDF). ASEAN Football Federation. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
- ^ ""I was just happy training with them" Thomas Aquilina, the humble break out star of 2021". kick360. 5 August 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Three European Clubs Chasing A-League Wanderers Flier". FTBL Australia. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Aquilina departs". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Mariners sign two talented youngsters in Aquilina & Ruhs". Central Coast Mariners FC. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Thomas Aquilina believes Mariners move will land him a European contract". The Football Sack. 15 October 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Central Coast Mariners sign New Zealand international James McGarry". Central Coast Mariners FC. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Newcastle Jets confirm player transfer movement". Newcastle Jets FC. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ "Match Summary - AFF Smart U16 Championship 2015" (PDF). ASEAN Football Federation. 23 July 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
External links
edit- Thomas Aquilina at Soccerway
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