Joe Gauci

Early career

At 16 years old, Gauci caught the attention of scouts while captaining West Torrens Birkalla's under-18s in the National Premier Leagues (NPL). Gauci led his team to the title, triumphing over Adelaide City in the final. In February 2018, Gauci went on trial with Central Coast Mariners. Although he was not offered a contract, the club invited him for another week of training in May. He signed a two-year scholarship contract with the Mariners on 19 June 2018. After being released a year later, Gauci signed with Adelaide City mid-season of the NPL South Australia in June 2019. He made eight league appearances in the 2019 season. On 9 September, Gauci signed a scholarship contract with Melbourne City where he took part in the club's youth teams. He was an unused substitute in the 2020 A-League Grand final defeat to Sydney FC.

Adelaide United

On 7 October 2020, Gauci signed a scholarship deal with his hometown club Adelaide United. As first-choice goalkeeper James Delianov was ruled out due to failing his fitness test, Gauci made his professional debut on 13 March 2021 in a 3–1 away victory against Melbourne Victory. He kept his first clean sheet in the league 15 days later in a 1–0 win over Sydney FC. The match was Adelaide's sixth consecutive win of the 2020–21 season, matching the club record in the 2005–06 season. Carl Veart, the head coach of Adelaide United, praised Gauci's performance during the team's success. On 13 May, Gauci suffered a…

Other than Australia, Gauci was eligible to represent New Zealand and Malta at international level. In March 2022, he received his first call-up to the Australia national team as a train-on player for the first week of camp, in preparation for the World Cup qualification matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Gauci received his first official call-up to the Australia national team ahead of two friendly matches against Ecuador. During the second friendly match on 28 March, the 21-year-old earned his first international appearance, starting in Australia's 2–1 defeat at Marvel Stadium. He played well, making eight saves, including two crucial reflex stops. In January 2024, head coach Graham Arnold named Gauci in the squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. He was an unused substitute in the quarter-finals defeat to South Korea. New head coach, Tony Popovic, began to use Gauci as his first preference over veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in October 2024. Gauci played five 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches before Ryan won back his starting place. Australia qualified, but Gauci was not selected in the squadlist for the tournament.

Gauci plays well as an all-round goalkeeper with solid command of his area, though he has struggled with his kicking.

Gauci was born on 4 July 2000 in Adelaide, Australia to parents of Maltese descent. At the age of four, Gauci moved to Waiheke Island, New Zealand after his mother was posted as a general manager for Kangaroo Island SeaLink. While living in New Zealand, Gauci joined local club Waiheke United at youth level in 2004 and, with his brother, traveled by ferry to Auckland where he started playing football as a striker. Gauci began playing as a goalkeeper during a school football camp in New Zealand. He returned to South Australia at age 11 and attended Sacred Heart College. Gauci joined Cumberland United after a successful trial. During his time at the Clarence Gardens outfit, he represented South Australia in an under-14s national competition held at Coffs Harbour. He eventually joined the National Training Centre program, where he was coached by Carl Veart.