Thomas Aquilina Explained

Thomas Aquilina
Fullname:Thomas Kevin Aquilina
Birth Date:2 February 2001
Birth Place:Camden, Australia
Position:Right back
Currentclub:Newcastle Jets
Clubnumber:39
Youthclubs1:Blacktown Spartans
Youthclubs2:FNSW NTC
Youthyears3:2015-2017
Youthclubs3:Western Sydney Wanderers
Years1:2017–2022
Caps1:32
Goals1:2
Clubs1:Western Sydney Wanderers NPL
Years2:2019
Caps2:1
Goals2:0
Clubs2:Sutherland Sharks (loan)
Years3:2020–2022
Caps3:40
Goals3:0
Clubs3:Western Sydney Wanderers
Years4:2022–2023
Caps4:12
Goals4:0
Clubs4:Central Coast Mariners
Years5:2023–
Caps5:27
Goals5:0
Clubs5:Newcastle Jets
Club-Update: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

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

Aquilina is of Maltese descent.

Career

Western Sydney Wanderers

Aquilina's professional football career began at the Western Sydney Wanderers, having come through their youth program, starting in the U15 squad in 2015.[1] 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.[2] Aquilina spent a second season at the Wanderers, before departing after 42 appearances at the end of the 2021-22 season.[3]

Central Coast Mariners

Having departed Western Sydney Wanderers, Aquilina joined the Central Coast Mariners for the 2022-23 season.[4] 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.[5]

Aquilina made 13 appearances for the Mariners across all competitions, before departing mid-way through his first season with the club.[6]

Newcastle Jets

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.[7] The Mariners and Jets share a fierce rivalry, the F3 Derby, making this a controversial move for both players involved.

Honours

International

Australia U20

2019[8]

Australia U17

2016[9]

Notes and References

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