Pierias is a speedy right-back and when he made his debut against Brisbane Roar last season was the youngest player in the history of the A-League to do so.

Meanwhile Sakalis, a skilful attacking midfielder, was only 15 when she played her first senior game in the W-League earlier this season.

Both players are earmarked as potential stars of the game with Pierias captaining the Young Socceroos while Sakalis featured for Australia’s U-17 team that played in Asia earlier this year.

Pierias told FourFourTwo that when he made his senior team bow he had to ask for time off from his studies.

“I was still in school so I had to take a week off because I had to train with the first team for a whole week, and then I made my debut,” said the now 17-year-old.

“I was so excited the week leading up to the game especially when the coach told me that I was potentially going to start, so I was nervous.

"But then when I found out I was starting, for some reason I felt more relaxed.

“Growing up all I ever thought about was being a professional footballer. The first thing you think of is being able to make your debut so when I did it was a very special moment for me."

When Sakalis made her senior debut in the 5-2 win against Newcastle Jets at 15 years and 124 days, she was the eighth youngest player to do so in W-League history.

Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is still the youngest at 15 years and 45 days, but for the City teenager her debut was a memorable occasion.

“It was an amazing experience, especially being at AAMI Park,” Sakalis told FourFourTwo.

“I was buzzing to come on, even though it was for such a short time. It was amazing to be surrounded by some of the best players in Australia.

“Training hard and leading up to it, it's an experience that I won’t forget for a while.

“It’s amazing to think that from such a young age watching everyone play and then in the glimpse of an eye being a part of those teams - all the hard work has finally paid off.”

Pierias hopes that this season will provide even further opportunities to play in the first team.

“It’s hard to get game time because Melbourne City’s team is stacked at the moment,” he said.

“So, it’s hard for the younger boys to get a sniff. But I feel like every day I’m getting closer and closer to getting a game.

“I was on the list to be in the squad against Brisbane but I didn’t play but that was a step forward and hopefully I see some more game time in the future.”

And while Sakalis is also looking to get more minutes under her belt, long-term she is also eyeing a Matildas debut.

“Ideally that’s where I want to end up,” she said. “Obviously my next goal would be to make the U-19 Matildas and then moving on from there to the Matildas.

“But, you know, I’ll have to keep performing.

“Being in such a good environment as Melbourne City with all facilities and the players, there is so much to learn from them. It’s amazing how I can go from being a fan to being a part of the W-League.”

Photos: Melbourne City