Australian footballers continue to make their mark across the globe, with key performances in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, AFC Champions League Two, and other domestic leagues. Front Page Football's Ross Papadakis wraps up the best from the overseas contingent in our Aussies abroad report.
Dimitri Petratos (right) celebrates his premiership-clinching goal for Mohun Bagan with Aussie teammate Jason Cummings (left). (Image: ESPN India)
Silverware in India
Congratulations to the Australian trio at Mohun Bagan SG—Jamie Maclaren, Dimitri Petratos, and Jason Cummings—on securing the 2024/25 Indian Super League Premiership!
The Kolkata-based club sealed the title with two games to spare. A stoppage-time goal from Petratos secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Odisha.
This achievement marks back-to-back league triumphs for Mohun Bagan, and their success ensures qualification for the AFC Champions League Two next season. With silverware secured, our Aussie trio will focus on finishing the campaign in style and adding another trophy by winning the playoffs.
Sailors on the Wright path
Bailey Wright played a full 90 minutes for Lion City Sailors as they secured a spot in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Muangthong United.
The Singaporean club faces a tough quarter-final test against Sanfrecce Hiroshima as they continue their bid for continental success.
Overnight, Lion City Sailors were in league action, overcoming Balestier Khalsa 5-1. Captain Bailey Wright played 75 minutes.
The Sailors sit atop the Singaporean Premier League, eight points clear of second with nine games to play.
A big scalp for Hibs' Aussies
A big performance from Hibernian saw them defeat Celtic 2-1 at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches and further solidifying their European ambitions.
Four Australians featured in the victory—Lewis Miller, Nectar Triantis, Jack Iredale, and Martin Boyle—with Boyle and Triantis providing assists. Boyle was a constant threat down the flank, delivering dangerous balls into the box. A pinpoint pass from Triantis set up Hibernian's opening goal.
Miller and Iredale were solid defensively, helping Hibernian absorb late pressure from Celtic. The result keeps Hibs firmly in the race for European qualification as they continue to push up the Scottish Premiership table.
Elsewhere, Ryan Strain was instrumental in Dundee United’s 1-0 win over Motherwell, registering an assist and helping his side keep a clean sheet.
The 27-year-old has now played his part in six clean sheets this season, with Dundee sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership.
Fellow Australian John Koutroumbis played the full 90 minutes for Motherwell in the defeat.
Irankunda's assist streak continues
Nestory Irankunda continues to impress for Grasshopper in Switzerland, grabbing another assist in a 2-2 draw against Lausanne-Sport.
The 19-year-old played 76 minutes and now has three assists across his last four league matches. Despite his contributions, the club remains in the Swiss Super League's relegation zone.
Brook makes continental debut
Lachlan Brook made his CONCACAF Champions Cup debut for Real Salt Lake, starting in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Costa Rican side Herediano in San José.
The Australian attacker started and played 59 minutes, showing promising movement and link-up play before being substituted. His fellow Aussie teammate Ariath Piol was an unused substitute.
With the second leg set for later this week on home soil, Brook will aim to make an impact and help Real Salt Lake secure progression to the tournament's next stage.
READ MORE ON FPF
MORE FROM ROSS: "You've got to prove yourself" - Lachlan Byrd navigating football's unpredictability overseas
MORE AUSSIES ABROAD CONTENT: Red-hot Anthony Carter remaining hopeful of "dream" Socceroos call-up
NPL NSW: "It's like I forgot how it was" - Damian Tsekenis readjusting to life in football at Marconi
Hutchinson’s perfect start in Japan
Central Coast Mariners legend John Hutchinson has guided Júbilo Iwata to a dream start in J2, overseeing consecutive wins to begin the campaign.
His side most recently edged past Sagan Tosu 1-0 with a disciplined defensive display and a well-executed game plan. The victory places them third on the ladder, reinforcing their ambitions for promotion back to Japan’s top flight.
Concern for Gauci
Joe Gauci was forced off early in Barnsley's 1-0 win over Rotherham with concerns over an injury setback. The Socceroos goalkeeper will hope for positive news as he aims to cement his spot in the starting line-up and be available for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China.
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