10 Shengqing Qu
Adelaide United, 2005-07
From Shanghai Shenhua, China

Success 3.5
Importance 3.5
Brand value 2.5
Terrace favour 3.5
Longevity 2.5

No one knew why he was here. No one knew where he came from. No one even knew how to pronounce his name. Before long he would become Adelaide’s favourite Chinese export since kow-pung chicken.

“Q” as he became known to his team-mates – was a pioneering A-League import. With seven league goals in his first season, he was the competition’s equal top goalscorer, but it was the quality of his link play and artistry of his finishes that made a lasting impression. Although injuries hit his second season, Qu’s presence in the A-League was a beacon for Asia’s growing relevance in Australian football.

9 Jin-Hyung Song
Newcastle Jets 2008-current
From FC Seoul, South Korea

Success 4
Importance 3.5
Brand value 2.5
Terrace favour 3.5
Longevity 2.5

Following his belated arrival last season, the Korean was instrumental in providing the X-factor for the Jets’ championship triumph.

This season, while Song has definitely come down to earth, he continues to impress with moments of brilliance in a battling Jets outfit.

A unique import entity, Song is an elite young Korean player who chose Australia as the best pathway for his development. If he ultimately succeeds, we might end up with more of his kind on our shores. For that reason alone crowds should applaud.

8 Grant Brebner
Melbourne Victory, 2006-current
From Dundee United, Scotland

Success 4
Importance 4
Brand value 2.5
Terrace favour 3.5
Longevity 4

Grant “spent five years at Manchester United” Brebner arrived in Melbourne looking for a lifestyle change after a long career in his native Scotland. Almost instantly his presence in the Victory midfield galvanised the club, as they roared away from the rest of the A-League in the first half of the 2006-07 season.

Fred is widely considered the key to Melbourne’s dominance that season, but it was Brebner who, alongside Kevin Muscat in midfield, hit the ground running and contributed right through to the Grand Final.

“He’s brought to our club that tremendous flair and vision from the midfield,” Merrick says. “He’s a ball-winner and distributor of a very high quality. His ability to win the ball and play those goal-scoring type passes to the strikers is just incredible. And he’s not only a good player, but he’s also a good organiser, a midfield general.”

Though injury played a role in a muted campaign last season, Brebner remains a valuable foot solider in Merrick’s midfield.

7 Cassio
Adelaide United 2007-current
From Santa Cruz, Brazil

Success 4
Importance 4
Brand value 3
Terrace favour 4
Longevity 3

Upon his arrival in Adelaide, the Brazilian full-back blew supporters away, scoring twice in the 2007 Pre-Season Cup from free-kicks. Although his impact has been more incremental since that gangbusting early spree (he has not scored a free-kick since), his importance to Adelaide is growing.

Used exclusively as a left-back in his first campaign, Cassio performed admirably in an inconsistent Adelaide side, winning Club Champion and Players’ Player of the Year awards. With the arrival of Scott Jamieson this season relieving some of the left-sided defensive burden at the club, the Brazilian’s attacking impact has expanded.

Against Kashima Antlers in the ACL quarter-finals, he stamped his authority on the game with a virtuoso display in the Adelaide midfield, as he ran the show like no other “left-back” in Australia could.

But the best was yet to come – at Hindmarsh against Uzbek powerhouse Bunyodkor in the semis. Despite Adelaide being hammered for much of the game, Cassio made their attacking raids count, sending in crosses to set up two goals, before winning a late penalty.

6 Daniel
Wellington Phoenix 2007-current
From Guarani, Brazil

Success 2
Importance 3
Brand value 5
Terrace favour 5
Longevity 2

When Wellington came into the A-League, there were many reservations about whether New Zealand football was even worth another try. Despite what we were told, Kiwi football clubs appeared to struggle to resonate with the New Zealand public.

The impact of the Phoenix’s Daniel therefore should not be underestimated. There is no doubt that the Phoenix have plenty of room for improvement, but it seems the foundations are there. And it is Daniel who must take much of the credit.

The Brazilian scored the club’s first A-League goal in round one last year, and has been an enthusiastic, effective showman ever since. Unlike other imports who might cruise through their A-League career without leaving a trace, Daniel has already stated his intention to play for the All Whites.

Mike Greene, founder of Phoenix supporter group Yellow Fever offers his take:
“Daniel is a favourite mainly due to his friendly and outgoing personality. He is always smiling and always willing to chat to the fans. He bring that bit of flair that draws gasps and applause from the fans, and he’s never short of a cheeky back-heel or a something out of left-field. What makes him distinctly Phoenix though is that he always plays with a great amount of passion for the team. You can tell how much it means to him.”