Thomas Aquilina
![]() 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 | ||
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 |
Thomas Kevin Aquilina (born 2 February 2001) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a right back for the Newcastle Jets.
Early life
[edit]Aquilina attended Bossley Park High School where he was enrolled into the selective Talented Football Program.
Aquilina is of Maltese descent.
Career
[edit]Western Sydney Wanderers
[edit]Aquilina'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
[edit]Having 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
[edit]Aquilina'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
[edit]International
[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