Thomas Kevin Aquilina (born 2 February 2001) is an Australian professional footballer who plays as a right back for the Newcastle Jets.

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
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

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

  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.

External links edit