He was playing NPL VIC this year. Now he is a pro footballer in Asia

From NPL Victoria to professional football in Asia. Jalil Regague has become the latest player to turn performances in Australia's state leagues into an opportunity abroad, signing with Philippines first-division side Aguilas UMak FC.

The 25-year-old was playing for Green Gully in NPL VIC this season, having spent the past three years as a regular in the club's backline.

Now he is preparing for an entirely different challenge.

Regague earned a week-long trial with Aguilas UMak before doing enough to secure his first professional contract and make the move to the Philippines.

“It’s always been the aim for me but to actually do it and have the opportunity still doesn’t feel real,” he told Football Victoria.

The move represents another pathway out of the NPL for an Australian player who has spent years working his way through the state-league system.

Regague began with hometown club Ballarat City before joining Western United's NPL program in 2021.

He went on to captain Western, helping the club earn promotion and winning their Players’ Player of the Season award, before stepping into Victoria's top flight with Port Melbourne.

Green Gully followed in 2023 and Regague became a mainstay across three seasons at Gully, with his final appearance coming in a 2-2 draw against Preston Lions in Round 23 this year.

He scored one goal in 22 matches for Gully, who were relegated to Victoria’s second tier.

“I think a lot of people don’t understand the level of the NPL,” Regague said.

“Playing against such talented players sets you up to be able to play against the best.”