The Great Unknowns: Three Players Poised to have a Breakout Season in 2025/26

19 days until the A-Leagues returns to our weekly schedules, the longest offseason in world football is so close to being over and the greatest league in the world is about to return. The league where what happens off the pitch is crazier then what happens on it and the league where the most unpredictable things can occur on the pitch. You never know what’s coming next.

The 2025/26 season is set to be MASSIVE with signings and transfers going everywhere, Adelaide United legend Craig Goodwin returns home to Adelaide, at 33 years old he has signed a three year contract with the Reds.

A massive sea of movement in the West of Sydney at Macarthur FC with the Bulls saying farewell to eight players and welcoming in Socceroo and Sydney FC star Anthony Caceres, the Bulls also welcomed Melbourne City Duo Harry Politidis and Callum Talbot.

The biggest rebuilds of this offseason occurred at AAMI Park for Melbourne Victory who have welcomed World Cup Star Juan Mata from the Western Sydney Wanderers, Brisbane Roar Young Gun Keegan Jelacic and former Adelaide star Louis D’Arrigo.

Perth Glory are going to be a competitive side this year and ensure last seasons blue is left behind them. With the signings of Brian Kaltak from the Central Coast Mariners, Sam Sutton from Wellington Phoenix, Callum Timmins from Newcastle and with Western United duo Jaiden Kucharski and Rhys Bozinovski.

But now, who are our Three Players to Shine and come out from behind a curtain in Season 2025/26.

Melbourne Victory | Keegan Jelacic

Keegan Jelacic has explored Australia and Europe before this offseason landing a contract with Melbourne Victory. Keegan Jelacic, 23 debuted for Brisbane Roar in 2021 in Round 4 against Perth Glory where he struggled for consistent game time coming off the bench twice and not leaving the bench on five occasions. In 2022 he moved across Australia to Perth Glory where he got consistent minutes with twenty two appearances and two goals. At the end of the 2022/23 season Jelacic moved to Norway to compete in the top flight of Norwegian football for Stabæk Fotball before getting a transfer to K.A.A Gent in the Belgian Pro League where during the January transfer window was loaned back into the A-League to Brisbane Roar where in just his first game back in Australia was issued a straight red card in Brisbane’s 3-1 loss to Macarthur. Jelacic’s loan continued at Brisbane Roar for the 2024/25 A-Leagues season where he was a vital piece to the young squad with only missing two matches all season, due to injury and suspension.

Keegan Jelacic should get consistent minutes with Melbourne Victory with the most depth in the competition, Victory have players to fall back onto if required.

Keegan Jelacic’s ability to quickly exploit defence and get through the midfield with his array of knowledge and ability to play as a Winger, Striker and Attacking Midfielder makes him one to watch in Season 2025/26.

Central Coast Mariners | Lucas Mauragis

Lucas Mauragis, 24 has played for three A-League clubs at just 24. Mauragis started his A-League career in the 2020/21 season with the Newcastle Jets before being loaned during the 2021/22 January Transfer Window across the Tasman Sea to Wellington Phoenix where he returned back to Newcastle United at the conclusion of his loan for the 2022/23 A-Leagues Season as a key Fullback for the Jets. Mauragis then moved down to the Central Coast to join rivals Central Coast Mariners for the 2024/2025 A-Leagues season where he appeared in every match apart from a long stint of Summer due to an injury. Mauragis during the 2024/25 Season often moved between the Left Wing and Left Back as he often started and secured his place in the Starting 11.

Mauragis went viral in Round 1 of the 2024/25 A-Leagues season when he incidentally slide tackled Melbourne Victory coach Patrick Kisnorbo in wet conditions on the Central Coast, in his first game for the Mariners.

Mauragis is a strong player, who when he is absolutely at his best is one of the best young defenders in the A-League and is hard to get past. Can’t wait to see his gun in action this season.

Brisbane Roar | Jordan Lauton

Jordan Lauton, 22 signed with Brisbane Roar after a breakout season at Western United.

Lauton’s move comes as his former side, Western United were placed into conditional hibernation for the 2025/26 season. While Western United have certainly lost more than just their licence, it’s a big gain for Brisbane Roar as they bring in the dynamic midfielder who hit his stride in the 2024/25 season with 18 appearances.

The moment that defined his season and made him a must watch talent was that stoppage time bicycle kick against Perth that won the game at the death, unfortunately though resulting in a Red Card.

Now transferred to Brisbane, Lauton joins former teammate Michael Ruhs and new Roar Head Coach Michael Valkanis. Lauton’s ability to quickly cover ground, his obvious knack for the spectacular and the consistently he showed at Western United makes him the exact player Brisbane needs to have a better season then their last. Brisbane Roar open their 2025/26 at Suncorp Stadium on Friday October 17 and Jordan Lauton is a name you have to be watching as he continues to shine.