From a former global wonderkid to A-League stars. The champs are building for something bigger

Fresh from conquering NPL Victoria, Avondale FC have made a major statement ahead of the Australian Championship with nine new signings, including former A-League players Jaushua Sotirio and Harry van der Saag.

The reigning Victorian champions have also recruited star Panos Armenakas and Niyah Joseph as they bolster their squad for a shot at national silverware.

Sotirio brings extensive A-League experience from spells with Western Sydney Wanderers, Wellington Phoenix and Newcastle Jets, while van der Saag previously represented Sydney FC, Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.

Armenakas arrives from Sydney Olympic with an intriguing resume. Once named among the world's 50 best young footballers by The Guardian, the former Australian youth international developed at Watford and Udinese before playing across Europe and the United States.

Joseph, meanwhile, joins from Peninsula Power following an impressive NPL Queensland campaign, scoring 16 league goals and helping the club reach the Grand Final.

Avondale have also unveiled Roman Canosa, Ryan Feutz, David Ninkovich, Zayd Kassaby and Anthony Lesiotis as part of their Australian Championship recruitment drive.

Avondale, who are without Bruno Fornaroli while they farewelled head coach Jonatan Germano - will face Adelaide City, Wests APIA and Broadmeadow Magic in Group B, with their first home fixture scheduled against Broadmeadow at Avenger Park on October 24.