Jacob Melling
Jacob Melling | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 4, 1995 Australia |
| Occupation | Professional soccer player |
| Known for | Defensive midfielder for Charlestown Azzurri |
Jacob Melling (born 4 April 1995) is a professional Australian soccer player who operates primarily as a defensive midfielder and currently represents Charlestown Azzurri.
Biography
Melling received his education at Saint Paul's College in Gilles Plains and developed his early football career in South Australia, featuring for the Modbury Jets and participating in the South Australian Sports Institute Football Program (SASI). He played an instrumental role in SASI's triumph at the 2010 FFA State Institute Challenge, where he was distinguished as Player of the Tournament and subsequently awarded a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport Football Program. During his time at AIS, he established himself as a key midfielder for the Joeys.
Adelaide United
On 18 March 2011, Melling secured his first professional contract with Adelaide United, commencing in 2012. He made his professional debut coming off the bench in Round 14 against Melbourne Heart.
During the 2012–13 season, starting 15 March 2013, Melling was allowed to register with two clubs simultaneously; he remained part of Adelaide United while also competing for Para Hills Knights, where he accumulated eight appearances.
Melbourne City
Melling transferred to Melbourne City on 20 May 2014, joining fellow youth players Connor Chapman and James Brown.
Western Sydney Wanderers
On 12 August 2016, he penned a two-year contract with Western Sydney Wanderers, signing alongside teammate Jack Clisby. His tenure with the club concluded when he was released on 2 January 2018.
Central Coast Mariners
The day following his departure from Western Sydney Wanderers, Melling signed a six-month contract with Central Coast Mariners. His stint with the Mariners ended in September 2020 after the conclusion of the 2019–20 A-League season.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | Cup | Continental | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Adelaide United | 2011–12 | 9 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| 2012–13 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 | |
| 2013–14 | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 9 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | |
| Para Hills Knights | 2013 | 8 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 8 | 1 |
| Total | 8 | 1 | – | – | – | – | 8 | 1 | |
| Melbourne City | 2014–15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 1 | |