Perth Glory hand Matt Ellis A-League opportunity after Auckland City and OFC Pro League journey

New Zealand winger Matt Ellis has taken another major step in his career after joining Perth Glory’s A-League Men squad, adding another Kiwi to the Australian top flight ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The 25-year-old arrives in Western Australia with considerable experience in New Zealand and Oceania football, most notably through his time with Auckland City. Ellis has been part of the Navy Blues’ success both domestically and on the continental stage and was included in their squad for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in 2025, where he featured against Portuguese giants Benfica and Argentina’s Boca Juniors.

His move to Perth completes an interesting progression over the past year. Ellis helped Auckland City claim the 2025 New Zealand National League title, scoring the opening goal in the Grand Final against Wellington Olympic before the Navy Blues eventually prevailed on penalties.

He later joined Auckland FC’s squad for the inaugural OFC Pro League, giving him another opportunity to test himself in the region’s new professional competition before returning to Auckland City during 2026.

Ellis’ background makes him a particularly interesting addition for Perth Glory. Rather than reaching the A-League through the traditional Australian pathway, he has built his reputation through New Zealand domestic football and Oceania competitions before earning an opportunity in Australia’s professional league.

Capable of operating on the wing and in attacking areas, Ellis brings mobility and experience from high-level matches despite only now making the move across the Tasman. He has also previously represented New Zealand at U-23 level, adding international youth experience to a career which has increasingly taken him into bigger competitions.

For Perth Glory, the signing provides another attacking option as the club continues preparing its squad for the new A-League Men campaign.

For Ellis, however, the move represents another significant progression. After representing Auckland City on the Club World Cup stage, winning major honours in New Zealand and experiencing the new OFC Pro League environment, he will now have the chance to establish himself in the A-League Men.

The move is also another example of a player developed through the New Zealand and Oceania football system finding a pathway into one of the region’s major professional competitions.