Malta U19 International Ethan Debono joined the Infrabuild Jets Academy ahead of the 2025 season, having previously played for Bulls FC Academy and the Central Coast Mariners Academy. Since joining the club he has registered two goals and two assists in four games, including a match-winning performance off of the bench against Hills United FC.
“I have settled in really well with the team, both on and off the pitch. When I first joined, all the boys welcomed me in and I have built some great friendships through not only training sessions and games, but team events also.”
Said Debono.
“I fit into the style Damian (Zane) wants to play. I also feel the support from both Damian and my teammates to go and express myself on the field. Overall, I feel the team has a great culture and I’m really enjoying being at the Jets.”
In 2023, Debono was called up to the Malta U19 squad for some of their UEFA Euro U19 championship qualifiers, where he took to the field against Ukraine and Kosovo. He also played and scored in an international friendly against Gibraltar.
“Representing Malta was probably one of the proudest moments, not just for me but my whole family. It had been something I really wanted to do from a young age, and to finally have the opportunity to do so was amazing. For me, it was also a great experience going into a different environment to what I was used to, particularly the culture and playing style.”
Ethan has also represented the Australian U18 Schoolboys team. He was a part of the 2023 tour which played against several teams across the United Kingdom and Ireland. In that same tour, Debono played alongside several players who would go on to play professionally, including current Celtic B player Liam Bonetig, as well as former Brisbane Roar and current Portsmouth striker Thomas Waddingham. Current teammate Christian Bracco was also a part of the same tour.
“Going on tour with the Australian Schoolboys was a great opportunity to play overseas against tough opponents. It also helped me gain experience on travelling with a national team, which would later help me when I received my Malta call-up.”
“The team performed very well, winning six out of eight games. For myself, it was a successful tour as I finished as the equal top-scorer alongside Thomas Waddingham as well as earning man of the match honours in one of our games.”
Youth Boys Head Coach Damian Zane has been impressed with Ethan’s start to the season.
“Ethan has joined us this season and has fit in really well with the culture we are building both on and off the pitch in the academy. His work ethic in training is superb, and he is a good person away from it too.”
“He’s an exciting player that has skill along with explosive speed and finishing, and is willing to work hard for the team. If he can maintain this form consistently over the season, then he will be pushing to make the next step.”
Ethan has set himself the goal of earning promotion to the NPL with the team, as well as earning more first team opportunities. He has already trained with the A-League squad on several occasions.
“My goals this year is to play a key role for the team and to try and achieve promotion to the NPL. I also want to continue to develop as a player with the help of Damian and the coaches, as well as earn more opportunities with the first team.”
