The Australia Cup has always been a stage where the unknown can become the unforgettable.
Every year, players from the NPL and below get the chance to test themselves against professional opposition, create iconic moments and put their names in front of a national audience.
Since 2018, the Mike Cockerill Medal has recognised the player who best embodies the spirit of the competition, celebrating those who combine quality, character and something different.
Awarded to a player with no previous A-League or other professional experience, the Mike Cockerill Medal considers everything from playing quality, personality and influence on a team’s Cup run, to that elusive X-factor and whether they have what it takes to succeed at the next level.
The selection criteria also notes that, theoretically, a player can win the award from just a single appearance from the Round of 32 onwards.
Here are the players who could follow in the footsteps of previous winners and become the next Mike Cockerill Medallist.
Nahuel Bonada – Preston Lions
Technically speaking, the 30-year-old Argentine has never played professional football, spending his entire Australian football career in the NPL, turning out for West Adelaide, MetroStars, Dandenong Thunder, Hume City, Green Gully, South Melbourne and now Preston Lions.
His mid-season move from South Melbourne to one of the club’s fiercest rivals certainly turned a few heads, but Bonada quickly repaid Preston’s faith.
After the Lions found themselves 2-0 down to defending Hahn Australia Cup champions Newcastle Jets, it was the Argentine who sparked the comeback, scoring twice before Daniel Lazarevski completed one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.
Bonada has had opportunities to break into the professional game, including trials with Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United, but never earned a contract, yet he’s remained one of the NPL’s most consistent attacking talents, and a player who has shown he probably belongs on a bigger stage.
Keep your eyes on him for the remainder of the tournament; a possible clash against his former employers could await in the quarter-finals.
Thomas Giannakopoulos – South Melbourne FC
There aren’t many players in South Melbourne’s squad eligible for the Mike Cockerill Medal due to the award’s strict criteria.
While much of the squad has featured in the OFC Professional League, those appearances have effectively been set aside for the purposes of eligibility for this award.
Giannakopoulos is one of the few who still fits the mould. The Adelaide-born 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes against his boyhood club Adelaide United in the Round of 32, producing another composed performance in the heart of defence as South Melbourne knocked out the Reds.
Tommy G has seamlessly adapted to a new role at the back following injuries to Jordon Lampard, Jacob Eliopoulos and other key defenders; he was even named as NPL Victoria’s Rising Star for July.
His versatility and maturity beyond his years have been invaluable for Sinisa Cohadzic, and if and when South continue their Cup run, don’t be surprised if he’s again called upon to do a job.
Marko Basic – Brunswick Juventus
A historic 4-0 win over Marlin Coast Rangers in the Round of 32 saw VPL1 side Brunswick Juventus reintroduce themselves on the national stage for the first time since 2019, and Marko Basic was at the heart of it.
Two goals and an assist from the 27-year-old inspired one of the biggest results in the club’s recent history, continuing the form that has made him one of Brunswick’s most influential players.
Up next for Juve is a game against the Preston Lions.
Jacson Riley – Lions FC
Penalty shootouts often create heroes, and Jacson Riley was exactly that for Lions FC in the Round of 32.
The goalkeeper produced a match-winning performance against Perth Glory, saving two penalties in the shootout to send the Queensland side into the Round of 16.
In a competition built on unforgettable moments, Riley delivered one that will live long in Lions FC folklore.
Still waiting for his opportunity in the professional ranks, the 25-year-old shot-stopper has also spent time at Rochedale Rovers, Hume City and St Albans.
A game against A-League’s Melbourne City awaits him.
Shifa Ahmed – North Sunshine Eagles
We look to 19-year-old Shifa Ahmed for the relegation-riddled VPL2 side, North Sunshine Eagles.
Despite North Sunshine Eagles battling at the wrong end of the table domestically, it was that game against FK Beograd that really showed his quality.
They take on Heidelberg United in the Round of 16, and based on the scenes we saw at Frank Mitchell Park, North Sunshine won’t go down without a fight.
Lorenzo Boselli – FK Beograd
Italian-born Lorenzo Boselli has spent time in the lower tiers of Italian football, predominantly in Serie D, as well as in the United States with NCAA Division I side Marshall University, without ever making the jump into the professional ranks.
The striker was one of FK Beograd’s brightest attacking outlets against North Sunshine Eagles, going close on several occasions before providing the assist for Marco Torriani’s late consolation goal.
Should Football Australia place any emphasis on league form under the criterion of whether a player “should/could be playing at a professional level”, Boselli deserves to be in the conversation. 10 goals in 19 NPL South Australia matches is a return that speaks for itself.
Anthony Theodoropoulos – Heidelberg United
Like South Melbourne, there aren’t many Mike Cockerill Medal eligible players left in the Heidelberg United dressing room. With Fletcher Fulton taking home the award in 2025 and several senior players boasting professional experience, the list is short, but Anthony Theodoropoulos is one of the standout exceptions so far this campaign.
The 27-year-old made his mark in Heidelberg’s opening Australia Cup fixture, scoring the first goal from right back in a comfortable 3-0 Round of 32 victory over Cumberland United.
A boyhood Berger and Heidelberg local, Theodoropoulos returned to Olympic Village after a brief stint in Melbourne City’s academy, and NPL spells with Dandenong City, Kingston City and Northcote City.
Luka Knezevic – SD Raiders
The 21-year-old scored the opener in SD Raiders’ 2-1 win over Rochedale Rovers.
After coming through the youth systems at Marconi Stallions and Western Sydney Wanderers, Knezevic has found a home at SD Raiders, where he’s continued to develop into a dangerous attacking threat.
Still waiting for his opportunity in the professional game, the Round of 16 against Macarthur shapes as the perfect stage to show he belongs at the next level.
They take on a familiar cup opponent in Macarthur, who beat them 5-0 last time out.
Edward Caspers – APIA Leichhardt
For APIA, we’re going with Edward Caspers.
The 23-year-old was at the heart of APIA’s 2-1 win over Peninsula Power, producing a complete attacking midfield performance. Caspers finished the match with an 85% pass success rate, 90 touches, 26 passes completed in the opposition half and a perfect 100% success rate from his dribbles.
The attacking midfielder came through the Central Coast Mariners youth system before later spending time with Macarthur, but has continued to make his mark in the NPL system.
Michael Krslovic – Sydney United 58
Michael Krslovic is one name that immediately comes to mind when you think of Sydney United 58’s historic Round of 32 victory over Central Coast Mariners.
Thrown into the action from the bench, the 22-year-old kept his composure to convert a dramatic 90th-minute penalty and force extra time, before Sydney United 58 eventually prevailed in an epic 11-10 penalty shootout.
While he spent time in the Macarthur Bulls academy, Krslovic never made a professional appearance for the A-League side, instead continuing his development in the NPL.
Now, another opportunity awaits, with Sydney United 58 set to face fellow NPL NSW outfit APIA Leichhardt in the Round of 16. If he can produce another big moment, his Mike Cockerill Medal credentials will only continue to grow.
Taj Bingwa – Fremantle City
A product of Western Australia’s football pathway, the 20-year-old bagged two assists in Fremantle City’s 2-1 win over Maitland.
Introduced at half-time with the scores locked, Bingwa changed the complexion of the contest almost immediately, setting up both second-half goals to help send Fremantle City into the Round of 16, qualities that make him the type of X-factor player the Mike Cockerill Medal celebrates.
A game against South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium awaits them.
The Knocked-Out teams:
Cai Pritchard – Azzurri United
Despite their 3-0 loss to Macarthur, captain Cai Pritchard recorded 60 touches against the A-League opposition, constantly looking to get involved and help his side play through the pressure.
An inspired performance for the captain, who led by example on one of the biggest nights in Northern Territory Football history.
Cameron Teece – Bayswater City
Statistically speaking, Cameron Teece was Bayswater City’s standout performer in their 5-1 defeat to Sydney FC.
While the Western Australian side spent much of the contest without the ball, the 22-year-old still managed to make his mark, scoring the equaliser to briefly give Bayswater hope against the A-League outfit.
Joel Badger – Kingborough Lions
The Mike Cockerill Medal selection criteria states that theoretically, “a player can win the award playing only one game from the Round of 32 on”.
So while Kingborough Lions fell short to A-League’s Melbourne Victory, Joel Badger seemed to be the shining light for the Tasmanian side.
Daniel McFarlane – Maitland
While Maitland FC may have bowed out in the Round of 32, Daniel McFarlane left his mark on the competition.
The 28-year-old assisted Maitland’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Fremantle City, but it was his ability to pull the strings in midfield that stood out throughout the contest.
Calm in possession and always looking to drive his side forward, McFarlane produced the type of all-round performance that caught the eye, despite Maitland’s Cup run coming to an end.
Kevin Ward – Marlin Coast Rangers
33-year-old Kevin Ward was between the sticks for Marlin Coast Rangers in their 4-0 defeat to Brunswick Juventus.
Beyond the scoreline, Ward was one of the main reasons the margin didn’t blow out further, producing eight saves against a side that dominated large periods of the contest.
Kane Gibbs – Peninsula Power
With Josh Woolley ruled out of Mike Cockerill Medal contention due to his previous professional appearances with Maidstone United and Gillingham, Kane Gibbs becomes one of Peninsula Power’s most interesting candidates.
The 22-year-old midfielder has already experienced the Australia Cup stage, but this year’s campaign provides another opportunity to showcase his ability on the national platform. A former Brisbane Roar youth player, Gibbs has continued his development at Peninsula Power, becoming an important part of their midfield setup.
Eoin Ashton – Rochedale Rovers
For Rochedale Rovers, Eoin Ashton is the name that stands out.
Despite his long-standing connection with Rochedale, Ashton has also tested himself elsewhere, including a brief spell with West Bromwich Albion before returning to Australia with Heidelberg United and Northcote City.
Of course, Rochedale’s Hahn Australia Cup journey has now come to an end after a 2-1 defeat to SD Raiders. While Ashton put together a strong 90-minute performance, it looks like his efforts may not be enough to see him claim the Mike Cockerill Medal this campaign.
Jok Akuien – Sydney Olympic
It’s tough to pick a player from Sydney Olympic considering the result and their NPL NSW campaign so far, and with most of the squad with professional experience.
Jok Akuien is one player who still caught the eye.
Emerging from the South Sudanese community, Akuien also reflects another aspect of the award’s selection process, which recognises players from refugee and recent migrant backgrounds.
If given more opportunities on the national stage, don’t be surprised if he’s a name that continues to emerge in future Australia Cup campaigns.
Willem Lejeune – Tigers FC
It’s probably a bit funny selecting a goalkeeper from a side that lost 2-0 to A-League opposition, but the reality is it could have easily been five or six without Willem Lejeune.
The Tigers FC shot-stopper was forced into a busy night, producing a string of important saves to keep his side within touching distance against a much-fancied opponent.
Luke McCormick – Weston Bears
One of the more intriguing stories of this year’s Hahn Australia Cup belongs to English midfielder Luke McCormick.
After coming through Nottingham Forest’s academy and spending time in the English non-league system before a stint in the United States, the 26-year-old arrived at Weston Bears only weeks before their Australia Cup campaign.
McCormick wasted little time making an impression, becoming a creative spark in the Bears’ run to the Round of 32. Weston ultimately bowed out to Melbourne City.
Previous winners of the Mike Cockerill Medal
2018: Elvis Kamsoba – Avondale FC
2019: Fraser Hills – Brisbane Strikers
2021: Finn Beakhurst – Lions FC
2022: Joe Guest – Oakleigh Cannons
2023: Hamish Gow – MetroStars
2024: Liam Boland – Olympic Kingsway
2025: Fletcher Fulton – Heidelberg United