FPF's Aussies Abroad power rankings: Week 3

Ross Papadakis
22 hours ago
5 min read

Front Page Football's Aussies abroad power rankings are back for another week. From another set-piece goal in the Championship, veterans dominating, and derby delight, 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.

Alessandro Circati impressed for Parma Calcio over the weekend. (Image: Parma Calcio)

Nestory Irankunda - Watford (no change)

Another week, another thunderbolt from Nestory Irankunda.

Having already lit up the Championship with a free-kick last week, he repeated the trick against Southampton in a 2–2 draw, once more curling home a late set-piece to rescue a point for Watford.

That gives him two free-kick goals in back-to-back games, underlining not just his technique but also his confidence to take control of key moments.

He now has two goals and an assist across about five starts, and he's started attracting attention not just from fans but renewed interest from the national set-up.

Tony Popovic named him in the latest Socceroos squad this week, and Watford coach Paulo Pezzolano has been quick to praise his potential, while also warning there's still growth to be done.

"I'm not really surprised about the free kicks because we knew about Nestor's quality, but we didn't expect those free kicks in such a short space of time," Pezzolano admitted.

"But I am going to be on top of Nestory because he has to keep on growing and developing."

There's a confidence about Irankunda right now, and he's not shy about backing it up. His post-match claim of being "a game-changer" is ringing truer than ever.

Irankunda retains #1 for the second week in a row, and not just because of goal involvements. He's actively changing the narrative around him every match, and the way he's doing it suggests he's barely scratched the surface.

Sam Silvera - Middlesbrough (+1)

Up one spot this week despite an early setback.

Silvera started at left wing-back against Sheffield United but was withdrawn at half-time with what Rob Edwards confirmed was a precautionary injury. Even in just 45 minutes, he played his part in another clean sheet for Boro as they ground out a result that kept them top of the Championship table.

It's been fascinating to keep an eye on the shift in role for Silvera, adapting from an attacking winger to a more defensive responsibility; yet, his work rate and energy have clearly earned Edwards' trust.

Now earning a Socceroos recall, his adaptability from an attacking winger to a defensive role has been key to Middlesbrough's strong start, and it has clearly not gone unnoticed.

Alessandro Circati - Parma (+3)

Circati jumps three spots this week after another composed performance in Serie A.

He played the full 90 minutes as Parma held Atalanta to a 1-1 draw, commanding the backline with confidence and maturity far beyond his 21 years.

Fans were quick to notice his influence. Parma fan account, @ParmaNorthAmer1, tweeted: "Circati played a hell of a game today as well. Forgot to mention it. He was a clear difference maker back there."

Parma's official X account also tweeted high praise for the 21-year-old: "Crikey mate, this Aussie is getting better every week"

It's clear that wherever Circati goes, he's leaving an impression.

Interest from AC Milan and Juventus has been swirling. Circati continues to rise to the challenge, seemingly improving every week, regardless of the stakes.

Parma may be fending off some of Europe's biggest clubs, but their young centre-back is already proving he belongs at the top level.

Adrian Segecic - Portsmouth (-2)

Segecic drops two places this week, not because of a dip in form, but because he's a victim of his own standards.

The 21-year-old started and played 90 minutes in Portsmouth's 1-0 win over Preston North End, performing solidly but without a goal contribution this time around.

Segecic has set the bar high, and while he's still impressing, those around him are catching up, making his steady output comparatively less eye-catching.

His performances, however, did earn him a seat on the plane with the Socceroos, so big things are to come.

Jed Drew - Hartberg (-1)

Another victim of others shining around him, Drew drops one place in this week's rankings.

He played 57 minutes against Marco Tilio's Rapid Vienna in a 1-0 loss; however, mid-week he featured for 110 minutes in the Austrian Cup against third-division side Atus Velden, helping Hartberg to a 3-0 victory.

Across both outings, he produced solid performances, showing his work rate and creativity.

Drew is now set to head on international duty with the Olyroos as they attempt to qualify for the Asian Cup. With his consistent contributions in Austria, he remains a player on the rise for both club and country.

Jordan Bos - Feyenoord (new)

Bos returns to the rankings this week after missing out last week due to a postponed game. The 21-year-old made an immediate impact, scoring Feyenoord's opener in their 4-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam.

Beyond the goal, Bos showcased his defensive reliability, completing 91% of his passes and winning all of his tackles, underlining his importance at both ends of the pitch. His blend of attacking threat and defensive discipline is proving invaluable as Feyenoord continue their strong start to the Eredivisie season.

Massimo Luongo - Millwall (no change)

Luongo continues to demonstrate his class and consistency, even in defeat. He played the full 90 minutes as Millwall fell 2-0 to Wrexham, following up on his standout performance last week.

Despite the result, the 32-year-old showed his composure and reliability in midfield, continuing to build on his reputation as a steadying influence for Millwall.

Callum Elder - Derby County (-3)

Elder drops three places this week, not due to any poor performance but because everyone around him is performing at a high level and is now involved in the national team setup.

He played the full 90 minutes in Derby's 2-2 draw with Ipswich, delivering another solid and dependable performance from left-back.

Zac Sapsford - Dundee United (new)

Sapsford makes the list after a strong showing in the Dundee Derby, scoring Dundee United's opener and playing 79 minutes in a 2-0 win.

The 21-year-old has now amassed five goal contributions in seven competitive fixtures for Dundee United this season, showing his consistency and impact in attack.

He is also set to join the Olyroos on their Asian Cup qualifying campaign, further highlighting his rising profile at both club and international level. His knack for making decisive contributions in key matches is a trait that is quickly making him one to watch.

Cameron Burgess - Swansea (new)

Burgess takes the final spot this week, with Patrick Yazbek just missing out. The 28-year-old has been one of the standout defenders in the Championship so far this season, consistently demonstrating control at the back.

He has a pass success rate of 80% and ranks second in the league for passes made (292), highlighting his ability to both defend and build play from the back.

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On the rise

Marco Tilio - Rapid Vienna

Tilio made his debut for Rapid Vienna, being taken off at half-time against Jed Drew's Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Garang Kuol - Sparta Prague

Kuol has made the move to Sparta Prague, signing a four-year deal. While he hasn't featured yet, the long-term contract signals the club's faith in his potential, and it will be exciting to see how he adapts to life in the Czech top flight.