Thomas Aquilina

Thomas Aquilina
Aquilina with Western Sydney Wanderers in 2021
Personal information
Full name Thomas Kevin Aquilina[1]
Date of birth (2001-02-02) 2 February 2001 (age 23)
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)
2019Sutherland 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
Men's football
Representing  Australia
AFF U-19 Youth Championship
First place 2019 Vietnam U-20 Team
AFF U-16 Youth Championship
First place 2016 Cambodia U-17 Team
*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

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Aquilina attended Bossley Park High School where he was enrolled into the selective Talented Football Program.

Aquilina is of Maltese descent.

Career

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Western Sydney Wanderers

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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

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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

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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

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International

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Australia U20
Australia U17

References

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  1. ^ a b "MAS U18 v AUS U18" (PDF). ASEAN Football Federation. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  2. ^ ""I was just happy training with them" Thomas Aquilina, the humble break out star of 2021". kick360. 5 August 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Three European Clubs Chasing A-League Wanderers Flier". FTBL Australia. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  4. ^ "Aquilina departs". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  5. ^ "Mariners sign two talented youngsters in Aquilina & Ruhs". Central Coast Mariners FC. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  6. ^ "Thomas Aquilina believes Mariners move will land him a European contract". The Football Sack. 15 October 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Central Coast Mariners sign New Zealand international James McGarry". Central Coast Mariners FC. 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  8. ^ "Newcastle Jets confirm player transfer movement". Newcastle Jets FC. 8 February 2022. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
  9. ^ "Match Summary - AFF Smart U16 Championship 2015" (PDF). ASEAN Football Federation. 23 July 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
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