Joe Gauci

At just 16 years old, he caught the attention of scouts while captaining West Torrens Birkalla's U18 side in the National Premier Leagues (NPL). Gauci led his team to the title, triumphing over Adelaide City in the final.[5] In February, Gauci was offered a trial with Central Coast Mariners though he was not offered a contract. However, in May, the club invited him back for another week of training and soon earned himself a two-year scholarship deal with the Mariners on 19 June 2018.[8][9]

After completing his contract and being released by Central Coast Mariners,[10] he signed a contract with Adelaide City for the remainder of the NPL season on 4 June 2019.[11] However, the team faced a challenging start to the NPL season, as they began with a deduction of six points due to sanctions imposed by the Football Federation SA for contract breaches.[12] Despite the team's position near the bottom of the table, Gauci finished the season with 8 league appearances for his side.[13] On 9 September, Gauci signed a scholarship contract with Melbourne City, becoming part of their scholarship program and joining their A-League Youth squad.[14][15]

On 7 October 2020, Gauci returned to his hometown after serving as a backup goalkeeper at Melbourne City, when he signed a scholarship deal with Adelaide United, ahead of the 2020–21 A-League campaign.[16] Due to James Delianov's last-minute fitness test failure, Gauci was handed his A-League debut on 13 March 2021 in an Original Rivalry clash against Melbourne Victory. He helped his team secure a 3–1 victory at Marvel Stadium.[17]

In his third appearance for Adelaide United, Gauci achieved his first clean sheet in the match against Sydney FC which saw Gauci produce a remarkable save in the 89th minute, denying Sydney's Patrick Wood a late equalizer.[18] His crucial contribution ensured a 1–0 victory for United, securing their sixth-straight win of the season – a feat the club hadn't accomplished since the inaugural A-League season in 2005–06.[19][20] Carl Veart, now the head coach of Adelaide United, praised Gauci's performance and recognized his impact on the team's success.[21]

On 13 May, Gauci suffered a thigh injury during a warm-up session before a match against Melbourne City, resulting in him being ruled out for the remainder of the season.[22] However, despite the setback, Gauci's impressive performances in the 10 league appearances he made, which included three clean sheets, resulted in Gauci extending his contract for an additional two years with Adelaide United on 25 May.[23]

After a seven-month absence from competitive appearances, Joe Gauci had to miss the game against Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium on 1 January 2022. He contracted COVID-19, which prevented him from participating.[24] However, Gauci made a full return to the pitch in a 1–1 Original Rivalry draw against Melbourne Victory the following week.[25] On 26 May, Gauci was sent off in the 27th minute of the match against Central Coast Mariners following VAR intervention when his collision with Marco Ureña led to a red card. Adelaide United ultimately suffered a 3–0 defeat at Gosford.[26][27]

As the 2022–23 A-League season approached, Gauci played a significant role in the Australia Cup quarter-final match against his former club, Adelaide City, on 17 August. Adelaide United emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, prevailing 4–1 after the scores were level at 2–2 at the end of extra time. Gauci made two crucial saves in the shootout, denying Jai King-Byrne and Zak Waters of Adelaide City before Ben Halloran's successful spot kick sealed Adelaide United's progression to the Round of 16.[28]

During the league season, Gauci made his 50th appearance for Adelaide United in a 2–1 league victory against Brisbane Roar on 4 February 2023.[29] Additionally, he celebrated his 50th A-League appearance on 26 February in another 1–1 Original Rivalry draw against Melbourne Victory.[30] On 13 April, Gauci signed a three-year contract extension, solidifying his commitment to the club until 2026.[31] In the A-League Finals series, Gauci played a pivotal role in Adelaide United's 2–0 win over Wellington Phoenix on 5 May.[32] This victory marked the end of his 13-game streak without a clean sheet,[33] with his previous clean sheet coming on 20 January in a Man of the match display against Macarthur FC in a 1–0 victory.[34]

Joe Gauci's style of play has garnered praise and admiration from analysts and fans alike. With his exceptional handling, clever game awareness, and strong shot-stopping abilities, Gauci has displayed the qualities of a top-tier international goalkeeper. His standout attribute, however, is his remarkable composure and control, which sets him apart at the highest level.[40] Paramount+ analyst Daniel McBreen highlighted the various facets of Gauci's game, noting that there are no apparent weaknesses in his repertoire. McBreen commended Gauci's proficiency with the ball at his feet, his commanding presence in aerial challenges, and his ability to make crucial reflex saves. In particular, he lauded Gauci's remarkable first save, diving to his right, as a testament to his phenomenal shot-stopping skills during a game against Macarthur. McBreen further praised Gauci's consistency and impact throughout the match.[41]

Gauci was given the moniker "Great Wall of Gauci," a nickname bestowed upon him by pundits and fans who recognised his immense talent and performances since his breakthrough season at Adelaide.[41] The growing consensus positions him as the future first-choice goalkeeper for the Australian national team.[42][43]

In April 2022, Gauci, acting as a representative of Adelaide United, became an ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association (CCA) in supporting local children with cancer, and their families.[44][45] To show his commitment and generosity, Gauci vowed to contribute a sum of $20 for every save he made throughout an entire season. As of May 2023, Gauci donated an amount of $1,920 to the association.[46]