Melbourne City has announced its National Youth League squad ahead of its first game of the competition.
The team is headlined by former Melbourne Victory man Christopher Cristaldo and Dandenong Thunder star Yusuf Ahmed, while Andy Kecojevic returns after another stint with South Melbourne.
Cristaldo makes the crosstown switch after a three year spell with Melbourne Victory that yielded four appearances and a goal in the A-League.
Ahmed rose to prominence during the NPL Victoria season, scoring 11 goals from 17 starts.
Kecojevic returns for a second stint after turning out for South Melbourne during the NPL campaign.
Matthew Millar and Stefan Zinni have been semi-regular senior inclusions for the club this season, with Millar scoring in an FFA Cup clash against Perth Glory.
Ali Eyigun also came off the bench in the FFA Cup against Edgeworth Eagles.
Knocking on the door of the senior squad will be Phil Petreski, who commences his fifth season in the club’s youth setup.
After sitting out the first round with a bye, City heads to CB Smith Reserve to face Perth Glory in a double-header with the W-League team on Saturday.
Joe Palatsides returns for a fourth season as head coach to defend his NYL championship.
Full squad includes: Philip Petreski, Christopher Cristaldo, Matthew Millar, Leo Athanasiou, Stefan Zinni, Luke Gallo, Ali Eyigun, Yusuf Ahmed, Tomislav Fadljevic, Yaren Sozer (GK), Medhi Suwari, Nicolas Gonzales, Giuseppe Marafioti, Austin Wong, Joseph Monek, Anthony Casset, Jordan Hall, Andy Kecojevic, Jack West-Astuti, Bailey Row, Yianni Skliros, Marcus Dimanche, Jordan Maricic,Denis Genreau, Connor Metcalfe, Gerry Sylaidos