OFC Pro League Golden Boot winner Alex Saniel makes George Cross debut after Australian move

Vanuatu international striker Alex Saniel has returned to Australian football after completing a mid-season move to Caroline Springs George Cross.

The 29-year-old joins the Melbourne-based club following an outstanding campaign with Vanuatu United FC in the inaugural OFC Pro League, where he finished as the competition’s leading scorer with 11 goals.

Saniel’s move was completed in time for him to make his George Cross debut against Heidelberg United on Friday night. The forward started on the bench and was introduced in the 63rd minute, replacing Hamid Jalloh, as the two sides played out a goalless draw at Olympic Village.

The match formed part of the 22nd round of the NPL Victoria season and provided Saniel with his first minutes in one of Australia’s strongest state competitions.

Caroline Springs George Cross competes in NPL Victoria, the highest level of state football in Victoria and part of Australia’s National Premier Leagues system, below the professional A-League Men. The Georgies returned to the Victorian top flight in 2026 after earning promotion from VPL 1.

Saniel arrives in Melbourne after becoming one of the central figures of Oceania’s first professional football competition. He scored the first goal in OFC Pro League history when Vanuatu United opened its campaign with a 2-2 draw against Bula FC at Eden Park.

The striker remained Vanuatu United’s main attacking threat throughout the season. His goals helped the Chiefs progress through the Challengers Group and reach the semi-finals, where their campaign was ended by eventual champions South Melbourne FC.

Among Saniel’s most important performances was a late double in Vanuatu United’s 3-1 victory over PNG Hekari FC. He ended the competition with 11 goals and received the Golden Boot following the final at Eden Park.

The transfer represents a return to Australia for Saniel. He previously played for Northern Demons in South Australia during the 2024 season, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances and finishing as the club’s joint leading scorer in State League Two.

Saniel later returned to Vanuatu and joined iCount Yatel FC. He became an important part of the Port Vila club’s attack and helped the side win the Vanuatu Made Shield before carrying his scoring form into the domestic league.

His performances also earned him another opportunity with the Vanuatu national team. Saniel was part of the squad that won the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Papua New Guinea, scoring in the final as Vanuatu drew 2-2 with the hosts before claiming the title in a penalty shootout.

The experienced forward has also played club football in Fiji and New Zealand. He represented Lautoka and Suva in the Fiji Premier League and was part of the Suva team that reached the 2023 OFC Champions League final in Port Vila.

Saniel scored against Auckland City in the title decider, although Suva eventually suffered a 4-2 defeat after extra time.

Caroline Springs George Cross head coach Eric Vassiliadis believes the Vanuatu international’s experience and recent goalscoring record can strengthen the team during the closing stages of the season.

“We are delighted to finally have Alex with us. His record speaks for itself, and winning the OFC Pro League Golden Boot is a fantastic achievement. We know he will add quality to the squad and look forward to seeing him make an impact,” Vassiliadis said.

After receiving his first minutes against Heidelberg United, Saniel will now look to establish himself in the George Cross attack and transfer his OFC Pro League goalscoring form to NPL Victoria.