ALM Squad – Adelaide United has named its extended squad for the final home game of the regular season, with one change after their draw with Newcastle Jets.
Adelaide United head coach Airton Andrioli has announced his extended squad for Sunday’s Round 25 home clash against Macarthur FC, the final home game of the regular season.
The selection comes after Adelaide drew with Newcastle Jets in Round 24. with Andrioli making one change to that side for the trip to a season-defining matchup at Coopers Stadium.. For players and fans alike. this kind of late-season fixture carries extra weight—because home games can decide momentum. not just points.
What we know about Adelaide’s ALM squad
Adelaide’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s extended squad for Round 25 includes Bart Vriends (3). Panagiotis Kikiannis (4). Ryan Kitto (7). Luka Jovanović (9). Juan Muñiz (10). Jonny Yull (12). Max Vartuli (13). Jay Barnett (14). Ben Folami (17). Yaya Dukuly (19). Joshua Smits (22). Luke Duzel (23). Brody Burkitt (35). Austin Ayoubi (42). Ryan White (44). Sotiri Phillis (52). Ethan Alagich (55). Fabian Talladira (62). Anselmo de Moraes (87). and Ajak Ria(k) (99).
The squad also reflects a common reality in the A-League: depth and readiness. A promotion entry is listed for 99. Ajak RIAK, signalling that the club is willing to give pathway players a chance when squad rotation matters. In contrast, 65. Joey Garuccio is omitted.
Round 25 match details at Coopers Stadium
Adelaide United will host Macarthur FC at Coopers Stadium on Sunday, 19 April 2026, with kick-off set for 3.00pm ACST.. It’s a fixture that sits neatly as a “last chance” moment for home supporters—where performances can linger long after the final whistle. especially when the regular season is tightening.
From a football perspective, a final home game often reshapes preparation. Coaches typically balance tactical clarity with the need to keep players fresh, while squads look for small advantages: set-piece control, discipline in transition, and the ability to manage the game’s emotional swings.
The injury picture that shapes selection
The most significant constraints appear in the unavailable list.. Craig Goodwin (groin, long term) is not available, as are Jake Najdovski (knee) and Dylan Pierias (knee, long term).. Injuries like these don’t just remove individuals from the lineup—they can alter how a team plays from the first pass to the last substitution.
When wingers, ball-carriers, or defenders are out, coaches often compensate by changing spacing, defensive matchups, and build-up tempo.. Even if Adelaide’s game plan remains consistent. the personnel on the pitch can force different choices: whether to stretch the field faster. how to protect against counters. and which midfield runners take priority.
For players on the fringes, this type of situation creates opportunity. Being named in the extended group isn’t the same as guaranteed minutes, but it’s a signal that the club believes the squad can respond under pressure.
# Why this late-season home game matters
Late-season fixtures tend to expose what a team has truly built over the campaign: not just fitness, but belief.. For Adelaide, the emotional context is clear—this is the final regular-season match at home.. That can influence how players approach duels and momentum shifts. particularly when the margins are tight and every mistake costs more than earlier in the season.
There’s also a broader league rhythm at play.. Teams nearing the end of the regular schedule are often juggling league objectives with squad health. and that’s why selection announcements frequently blend “form” and “future.” The inclusion of a promoted player like Ajak RIAK. alongside the omission of Joey Garuccio. suggests Adelaide is making room for the next set of contributors.
# What fans should watch as kickoff nears
On the day of the match. the key question will be how Adelaide uses its available options to handle Macarthur’s pressure and transition moments.. With multiple injuries sidelining players. the structure may lean more heavily on those who can cover space quickly. win second balls. and keep shape when the game opens up.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3.00pm ACST at Coopers Stadium, where Adelaide’s Round 25 group will look to turn a home-season finale into a statement performance—one that carries through the final stretch of the campaign.
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