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FPF's Aussies Abroad power rankings: Week 2

  • Writer: Ross Papadakis
    Ross Papadakis
  • 6 minutes ago
  • 6 min read

Front Page Football's Aussies abroad power rankings are back for another week. From youngsters breaking into Championship lineups, veterans dominating midfields, and goals flying in from unexpected places, it's been another busy stretch for Australians overseas. There are movers and shakers throughout the list this week—some players climbing after standout performances, others slipping with tough results or a lack of minutes, and a couple of fresh names entering the frame after catching the eye. Let's dive into how our top ten looks heading into the international break.

Front Page Football Aussies Abroad

Nestory Irankunda (left) wheels away in celebration after netting a stunning free-kick for Watford. (Image: Alex Cozzi/Watford FC)


  1. Nestory Irankunda - Watford (+1)


Rising to the top of our power rankings is Nestory Irankunda. 


The 19-year-old has now started four matches in a row for Watford, already collecting two goal contributions in the process. 


His maiden goal arrived spectacularly, a curling free-kick against Cam Burgess' Swansea that stamped his name all over the contest.


Nestor revealed that he asked captain Moussa Sissoko for permission before stepping up, showing both confidence and respect.


"Moussa is the captain, so I asked him for permission. He asked me a couple of times, 'Are you sure you can take free-kicks?' I said 'Yeah, go look at my highlight reels!' Irankunda explained.

The goal came from a free kick he won himself after being fouled outside the box, highlighting his pace, skill, and composure.


Despite being replaced in the 58th minute after a brief spell on the deck, he was a constant threat, and Watford dominated much of the match before Swansea grabbed a late leveller.


With a goal and an assist across his opening league starts, the teenager is already making a statement in the Championship.


Watford's upcoming fixtures will be another chance for Irankunda to show why he's our top Aussie abroad at the moment.

  1. Adrian Segecic - Portsmouth (-1)


Adrian Segecic continues to make waves in England, starting and playing 85 minutes in Portsmouth's 1-1 draw with West Brom.


While he didn't directly contribute to a goal this week, his presence in the team and complete shift on the pitch speak volumes about his progression.

Just three seasons ago, Segecic was playing for Sydney FC's youth team in the NPL NSW. Now, at 21, he's starting and logging significant minutes in the English Championship, highlighting his rapid rise and adaptability.


His early-season form, including two goals in his previous games, has already made him a key figure for Pompey.


Segecic's journey from the local leagues in Australia to the intensity of Championship football underlines not just his talent, but his mental toughness and work ethic.


With more fixtures ahead and an international window around the corner, he has the chance to further cement himself as one of the most exciting young Australians abroad this season.

  1. Sam Silvera - Middlesbrough (+3)


I have seen our X replies and comments, and acknowledge that some fans were disappointed Silvera didn't receive more attention last week. This week, he earns his spotlight.


Sammy Silvera jumps three places in these power rankings as he continues to impress in his third season at Middlesbrough, cementing himself as a dependable presence in Rob Edwards' squad.

Deployed as a left wing back, he hasn't missed a minute as Boro have stormed out of the gates with three wins from three, conceding just once last weekend against Norwich.


Silvera's versatility and consistency have been key to Middlesbrough's strong defensive start.


His path hasn't always been smooth; loan spells at Portsmouth and Blackpool have tested him, but he's grown into a reliable Championship performer.


His ability to adapt to a wing-back role while contributing both offensively and defensively makes him a standout Australian abroad. Heading into the international break, Tony Popovic could have his eye on Silvera for a role that suits him perfectly in the Socceroos setup.

  1. Jed Drew - TSV Hartberg (no change)


Last week, I spoke about how significant momentum is for attackers.


This week, Hartberg beat Noah Botic's Austria Vienna 3-1, with Jed Drew once again assisting their second goal before being withdrawn in the 78th minute.


That makes it three starts and three goal contributions across his last three games, proof that the 21-year-old is thriving in Austria.


With a few injuries around the Socceroos squad, Tony Popovic may have little choice but to consider him for the upcoming international window.

Drew retains his spot at fourth in this week's power rankings, continuing his rise as one of the most exciting young Australians abroad.

  1. Callum Elder, Derby County (-2)


Callum Elder drops two spots this week, not due to poor form, but simply because others are shining around him. The left-back has played the full 90 minutes in each of his last three matches, showing consistency and reliability in Derby County's backline.


After struggling with injuries last season, it's encouraging to see Elder stringing minutes together and performing well at the Championship level. His steadiness may not always grab headlines, but it's exactly what his side needs across a long campaign.


  1. Alessandro Circati - Parma (+2)


Alessandro Circati jumps up two places this week, and honestly, I'm still not quite coming to terms with just how impressive this 21-year-old is.


He played the whole game against Juventus, one of the toughest sides in the world, and looked composed the entire way.


Just 10 months ago, Circati ruptured his ACL.


Most players would still be easing back into football, but he's not just back, he's starting, playing full games, and holding his own in Serie A.

Heading into a World Cup year, having a centre-back like Circati in form is enormous for the Socceroos. He reads the game smartly, isn't fazed by the big moments, and shows a level of maturity beyond his age. If he keeps this up, he's going to be impossible to ignore.


  1. Massimo Luongo - Millwall (new)


New to the rankings this week, Massimo Luongo is quickly winning over the Millwall fans in the Championship. He played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 away win against Sheffield United and was a defensive powerhouse.


Luongo won both of his tackles, made four interceptions, and completed five recoveries. After being named Man of the Match last week, he built on that performance with another dominant display in the midfield. 

His experience and composure are shining through, and it's clear he's becoming a key figure for Millwall as they push up the Championship table.

  1. Patrick Yazbek - Nashville (new)


New to the list this week, Patrick Yazbek helped Nashville continue its impressive home form with a 5-1 win over Orlando City, extending its unbeaten streak at home to 12 games.


The 23-year-old played 89 minutes and was a key presence in midfield, completing 96% of his passes and winning 60% of his aerial duels.

With Nashville sitting third in the Eastern Conference, Yazbek's composure, consistency, and ability to control the midfield are becoming increasingly vital to their success.


  1. Fran Karacic - Hajduk Split (no change)


Another positive week for Fran Karacic and Hajduk Split, as they secured their fourth win in four league games. The team has been rock-solid defensively, conceding just one goal so far this season, with Karacic playing a key role in keeping the backline tight.


The 29-year-old has been a consistent presence for Hajduk, and his performances are helping the team maintain momentum at the top of the table.


  1. Thomas Deng - Yokohama F. Marinos (new)


Rounding out the top 10 is Thomas Deng, who helped Yokohama F. Marinos earn a 0-0 draw against second-placed Machida Zelvia. It's Deng's third clean sheet in his past four league matches, a strong return to form for the Socceroo defender.


The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes and was integral to getting Yokohama out of the relegation zone for the first time since April.

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On the rise


Deni Juric - FC Koper


Deni Juric is now on a five-match goalscoring streak, having scored six goals in five matches across all competitions, including a double against Viking FK in UEFA Conference League qualifying. His consistency is helping Koper sit second in the Prva Liga, just five points behind leaders NK Celje.


Aiden O'Neill - NYCFC


Aiden O'Neill has quietly been putting together a really strong run of form in the MLS with New York City. The midfielder played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 away win against FC Cincinnati, completing 59 passes at a 95% success rate and even chipping in with two key passes.


It's not just a one-off either—O'Neill has now started 10 consecutive matches across the MLS and Leagues Cup, averaging 85 minutes per game across his last nine outings. NYCFC are also unbeaten in their last five MLS games, and O'Neill's composure and consistency in midfield have been a big part of that.

Slipping down


Joe Gauci - Port Vale


Joe Gauci made his first appearance for Port Vale since joining on loan from Aston Villa. But it was a tough introduction as Vale fell 1-0 to Doncaster Rovers. While the result isn't ideal, it was just his first game, and Gauci will hope to settle quickly and start helping his new side pick up points.


Gauci did keep a clean sheet this morning for his new club in a 1-0 win over Championship side Birmingham City in the EFL Cup. However, the clean sheet could be attributed more to the work of his backline as opposed to the goalkeeper, as Gauci did not face a shot on target across the 90 minutes.


Click here to read more of Front Page Football's Aussies Abroad coverage!

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