Many moments of magic, drama and cinema have risen to the surface throughout the group stage of the Australian Championship, leaving football fans around the nation eager to witness how the eight remaining clubs will battle amongst themselves.
So far throughout the competition, certain players have gone under the radar or are in need of appreciation heading into a stacked weekend of football.
These are the players at each of the eight remaining clubs that a close eye should be kept upon.
Marconi: Damian Tsekenis
Tsekenis is a name one may hear or read about twice at Marconi.
Peter Tsekenis, a former National Soccer League veteran defender has managed the Stallions since 2018.
On the contrary, his 24-year-old son Damian plays as a centre-forward and could be the spark Marconi requires following a 5-0 loss they suffered against Wollongong the week prior.
Damian Tsekenis had quite the calendar year on the pitch netting 11 goals in 34 appearances across the National Premier Leagues New South Wales and Australian Championship.
The attacker is no stranger to Marconi Stadium, having made his senior debut for the club back in 2019 before venturing off to the Central Coast Mariners academy and their senior A-League Men’s side.
The Derby D’Italia promises to deliver in one way or another, with a full emphasis on those in attack to have the spotlight… or potentially the midfield.
Wests APIA: Edward Caspers
Remaining with the Derby D’Italia — midfielder Edward Caspers demonstrates the damage pace can provide from the engine room.
At the age of 22, Caspers is two matches away from earning a century of appearances in the National Premier Leagues NSW.
In 2024 he was named APIA Player of the Year and has featured in all group-stage matches for Wests APIA so far in the Australian Championship.
Known for his unrelenting engine, sharp interpretation of the play and rapid speed, he could certainly be the needle-mover in Friday night’s dramatic first instalment of the finals series.
Avondale FC: Blake Carpenter
La Famiglia boast a forage of talented National Premier League Victoria stars within their squad.
The likes of Yitay Towns, Amar Abdallah, Ayden Brice, Emlyn Wellsmore… only to name a few who - personify some of the competition’s best within their roles.
Not to mention the former Socceroo and A-League great they have running the show up top.
But aside from Bruno, there’s another player whose first name starts with B who is in need of attention.
Insert Blake Carpenter.
Since returning to full fitness, the South Australian has been an important figure for the Avengers on and off the park.
Grit, determination and sheer composure — in finals football when the going gets tough, pressure amounts and the game screams out for a calm head to dictate possession defensively, Carpenter fits into the control-based game style Avondale exhibit with class.
Moreton City Excelsior FC: Luka Jankovic
Following his breakout campaign in the NPL Queensland 2025 season, Luka Jankovic has showcased why he was in the running for the competition’s Young Player of the Year Award in the Australian Championship.
Jankovic is no stranger to scoring when it matters for his new side, and has certainly become well integrated with the Excelsior faithful.
The attacking midfielder has found the net three times throughout the competition - on two occasions he has scored the equaliser; in the 3-3 draw with Sydney Olympic FC and more recently another 3-3 draw against South Melbourne FC.
Can Jankovic be the cool customer for City if they are in need of a hero?
Heidelberg United: Max Bisetto
Bisetto is also no stranger to embracing the spotlight when it’s upon him.
In arguably his breakout season, the dual NPL Victoria finals winner has showcased a knack for popping up at the right moments.
Before scoring in the NPL Victoria Grand Final, while Heidelberg journeyed through their storied Australia Cup run, he was pivotal in the side’s aggressive attacking display when dispatching A-League sides in cup competition.
Although the flanks at Alexander are a hot commodity, and the 21-year-old not being named for the trip to South Hobart the week prior, Johnny Anastasiadis has a player bound for finals football at arm’s length awaiting ignition.
MetroStars: Jackson Walls
Defender Jackson Walls has been instrumental in the rejuvenation of MetroStars’ campaign in the Australian Championship.
The 24-year-old has called TK Shutter Reserve home since late 2021, having represented Adelaide United FC previously.
While captain Fabian Barbiero was injured, Walls showcased leadership qualities, leading by example to overturn a poor start to the Championship and make a late push into the final eight.
Can Walls continue to showcase the perseverance which has been the name of MetroStars' game so far come Saturday away at Olympic Village?
South Melbourne: Thomas Giannakopoulos
Versatility and adaptability, Thomas Giannakopoulos may be the unsung hero of South Melbourne FC.
His contribution to the side’s unbeaten run so far in the competition has been noticed.
Having moved to Melbourne at the start of last season, he originally signed for Dandenong City FC as a centre back.
Now deployed as a midfielder, Giannakopoulos is recognised for his dynamic playstyle, which guided Dandenong City throughout their underdog NPL Victoria finals campaign, finishing runners-up from sixth place on the regular-season ladder.
Giannakopoulos missed last week’s Australian Championship match for South Melbourne due to suspension, but is expected to have a big shift against North West Sydney Spirit FC with veteran Jake Marshall managing an injury concern.
North West Sydney Spirit: Simon Nicholas
Simon Nicholas has represented North West Sydney Spirit in practically every game they have played in 2025.
Regarded by manager Luca Falcone as the ultimate competitor, the versatile defender possesses a no-nonsense game style.
Nicholas can be deployed as a centre-back on both sides, as a full-back and/or wingback.
Luca Falcone said Nicholas’ game style is similar to those from the 90s.
“He is great on the ball, but he is one of those old-school defenders who loves defending,” Falcone said.
“Simon is a great leader and has a lot of responsibility in the group — he’s a guy every coach wants on their team.”