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Australian Championship 2026: Biggest signings as A-League stars join NPL clubs
By HIGHPRESS11 October 2026
Some of Australian football's biggest names are heading to the Australian Championship, with former Socceroos, A-League champions and international players joining the race for national silverware.
From A-League great Kosta Barbarouses signing for South Melbourne to Sydney Olympic's recruitment of Socceroos duo Luke Brattan and Dimitri Petratos, clubs across the country have strengthened significantly ahead of the 2026 competition, which kicks off this week.
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Reigning NPL Victoria champions Avondale FC have also made a statement with nine new arrivals, while Preston Lions have added players with experience in the A-League, Europe and international football.
With the Australian Championship starting on Thursday, HIGHPRESS takes a look at some of the biggest confirmed signings ahead of the second edition of the national competition.
Kosta Barbarouses – South Melbourne
One of the most decorated players of the A-League era is heading to Lakeside Stadium.
South Melbourne secured a major coup with the arrival of New Zealand international Barbarouses, who joined the reigning Australian Championship winners following his stint with Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 36-year-old brings an extraordinary pedigree to South Melbourne, having won four A-League Championships with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
Barbarouses also represented New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another chapter to an international career that has taken him to Europe and across Australian football.
His arrival gives Australia Cup champions South Melbourne another major attacking option as they prepare to defend their national title.
Luke Brattan – Sydney Olympic
Olympic have turned to one of the A-League's most accomplished midfielders as they prepare for the Australian Championship.
Former Sydney FC and Macarthur FC star Brattan headlines an ambitious recruitment drive by the two-time NSL champions.
Brattan made more than 300 A-League appearances and won multiple championships and premierships during a distinguished professional career.
The experienced midfielder also earned a Socceroos squad call-up in 2024.
His arrival represents a significant statement from Olympic, who are preparing for the national competition after suffering relegation from NPL NSW.
Dimitri Petratos – Sydney Olympic
Sydney Olympic have also secured former Socceroos attacker Petratos.
The experienced forward, who has represented Australia at senior international level, brings extensive A-League experience from spells including Brisbane Roar, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Petratos also spent time overseas, most recently in Indian football with Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
He joins his brother Kosta Petratos at Olympic as the club assemble a squad featuring several familiar names from Australia's professional leagues.
Panos Armenakas – Avondale FC
Once regarded as one of the world's most promising young footballers, Armenakas is among Avondale's headline recruits.
The former Australian youth international developed through the academy systems of Watford and Udinese and was named among the world's 50 best young players by The Guardian.
His career has included spells across Europe and the United States before returning to Australian football.
Armenakas joins Avondale from Sydney Olympic as the reigning NPL Victoria champions pursue national honours.
Jaushua Sotirio – Avondale FC
Avondale have added another experienced A-League player in Sotirio.
The attacker previously represented Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix and Newcastle Jets, bringing significant professional experience to the Victorian champions.
His arrival is part of an extensive recruitment drive that has seen Avondale reshape their squad following their NPL Victoria Championship triumph.
Harry van der Saag – Avondale FC
Former Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United defender Van der Saag is another major addition to Avondale.
The former Australian youth international brings A-League experience and versatility to a squad preparing to face Wests APIA, Adelaide City and Broadmeadow Magic in Group B.
Van der Saag is among nine players recruited by Avondale ahead of the competition.
Michael Ruhs – Sydney Olympic
Sydney Olympic have further strengthened their attack with former A-League forward Ruhs.
The 24-year-old has represented Brisbane Roar, Western United, Central Coast Mariners and Macarthur FC during his professional career.
Ruhs also represented Australia at youth international level, including the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
He joins a growing list of high-profile additions at Olympic, alongside Brattan, the Petratos brothers and former A-League goalkeeper Filip Kurto.
Kur Kur – Preston Lions
Preston Lions have added international experience to their squad with the signing of South Sudan international Kur Kur.
The attacker previously represented Brisbane Roar and Serbian club FK Novi Pazar, having earned his overseas opportunity following a prolific spell with Adelaide City.
Kur scored 16 goals in 32 NPL South Australia appearances across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
He has since featured in NPL Victoria with Avondale and Green Gully before making the move to Preston.
Marco Gueli – Preston Lions
One of the standout attackers in NPL Northern NSW has earned a move to the national stage.
German-born forward Marco Gueli joins Preston Lions after impressing with Belmont Swansea United during the 2026 season.
Gueli spent six years in Stuttgart's academy system before playing youth football in Germany and later spending four years in American college football.
His rise through the Australian state leagues has now taken him to Preston, where he joins a squad also featuring former Wellington Phoenix defender Dan Edwards and Adelaide United youngster Luka Blazevic.
Niyah Joseph – Avondale FC
Avondale have strengthened their attack with the signing of Niyah Joseph from Peninsula Power.
Joseph scored 16 league goals during the 2026 NPL Queensland season and helped Power reach the Grand Final.
His arrival adds another proven state-league goalscorer to Avondale's Australian Championship squad.
Joel Badger – Broadmeadow Magic
Broadmeadow Magic have strengthened their squad ahead of the Australian Championship with the signing of Badger from NPL Tasmania.
The forward lit up Tasmanian football with Kingborough Lion United, where he scored 18 goals in 2026 - including an extraordinary four-goal haul in just nine minutes.
The addition gives the NPL NNSW club another option as they prepare to face Avondale, Wests APIA and Adelaide City in Group B.
Tyson Martin – Oakleigh Cannons
Oakleigh Cannons have secured the services of Martin from Gold Coast United ahead of their Australian Championship campaign.
Martin makes the move from NPL Queensland to Victoria, joining a Chris Taylor-led Oakleigh side preparing for a challenging Group C campaign against Marconi Stallions, Sydney Olympic and Bayswater City after losing the NPL VIC Grand Final.
Jay McGowan – Canberra Croatia
Canberra Croatia have added McGowan to their Australian Championship squad following his departure from Heidelberg United.
McGowan arrives from the Victorian NPL club as Canberra prepare to face defending champions South Melbourne, Sydney United and Sutherland Sharks in Group A.
Which Australian Championship clubs have made the biggest moves?
Sydney Olympic and Avondale have been particularly active in the transfer market.
Olympic have recruited established A-League names including Luke Brattan, Dimitri Petratos, Michael Ruhs and Moudi Najjar, while also adding former English Football League defender Luke Croll.
Avondale have announced nine signings, headlined by Panos Armenakas, Jaushua Sotirio, Harry van der Saag and Niyah Joseph.
South Melbourne's acquisition of Kosta Barbarouses is another major development, while Preston Lions have added Marco Gueli, Kur Kur, Dan Edwards and Luka Blazevic.
With 16 clubs competing across four groups, the recruitment activity adds another dimension to the battle for the 2026 Australian Championship.
