The Top 50 Australians Of 2008/9

It's not the top 50 of all-time, and it's not even the top 50 current Australians. It's the 50 who we think had the best season in 2008/9.

Of course, some top Aussies had little game time but when they did play, they impressed which is why they still make the list, albeit in the lower reaches.

And, yes, we know you disagree. That's the beauty of lists. So fire away - tell us where we went wrong and why - and if you think we missed anyone out, tell us who you would sacrifice to slot them in.

50
Rhys Williams
Age 20
Position Defender
Club Middlesbrough (England)

For a long time it looked like suitably named Rhys Williams would make his Welsh grandfather proud and play for "The Dragons". However the Perth-born youngster recently picked up the phone to Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek and pledged his allegiance to the Green and Gold, despite make 10 appearances for the Welsh U21 team. His options didn't end there either, with an Indian mother and English father, who provided him with two further potential national level alternatives.

In May the defender, who like Lucas Neill is equally comformable in the centre or on the right of the back line, publicised his Socceroos intentions. By the end of the month he was included in the squad for the "Super June" World Cup qualifiers. Verbeek was keen to secure the services of a player who has been impressing at youth level for several years in England at Middlesbrough.

Williams inked a three-year deal at Boro back in 2005 and last year signed a two year extension and was farmed out to Championship side Burnley to cut his teeth.
He was impressive in the Claret's amazing season which included knocking Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal out of the League Cup.

The season was topped off with promotion to the Premiership, but Williams had already returned to Boro, who duly moved in the opposite direction. However after Williams' form at Burnley at the same level, Middlesbrough's disappointment could provide
a springboard for Williams' future development.

Boro are likely to clean out their deadwood and overpaid sponges, before rebuilding a fresh squad for their own promotion campaign. The new Socceroo could form a key component in a new look Championship side, enhancing his chances in a new look international side too.

"Once Australia showed a firm interest in me there was only one way it was going to go," said Williams. "I was born and bred in Australia, so it is natural that I should want to play for them.

"Pim told me all about his plans for the future and made it clear that I was going to be a part of them, so I was keen to get all the paperwork sorted as soon as possible. I can't wait to get involved."

49
Dario Vidosic
Age 22
Position Midfielder
Club FC Nuremberg (Germany)

The former Queensland Roar youngster earned a trial at his German club two years ago after some promising appearances and an eye for goals in the A-League. This season the attacking midfielder really started to realise that promise, playing a vital role in Nuremberg's promotion to the German Bundesliga. Verbeek was keen to tie the Croatian-born starlet into his plans and Vidosic was named in the Dutchman's June squad. Top flight action in Germany could boost his position next year.

48
Chris Coyne
Age 30
Position Centre-back
Club Perth Glory

While Craig Moore took his international interlude, Coyne stepped into his shoes and looked solid and reassured next to Lucas Neill at the heart of the Socceroos' defence. "He's a leader," said Verbeek. "He's a very good header and never in a panic". Coyne would probably find himself higher on the list if it wasn't for the return of Moore and infrequent appearances at English League One club Colchester. Perth-born Coyne will need more club level time to rise up this list and land that Socceroos starting spot back.

47
Matt McKay
Age 26
Position Midfielder
Club Brisbane Roar

The dimunitive midfielder has been the engine room of the Roar since the start of the
A-League. A stellar campaign last season earned him a call-up for the Socceroos' Asian Cup qualifiers and an off-season loan spell with Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai. With a healthy haul of 13 career goals from midfield, his consistent and hard-working play has made McKay a fans' favourite in Brisbane. The 26-year old will return to his hometown in time for the fifth edition of the A-League.

46
Ljubo Milicevic
Age 28
Position Centre-back
Club Newcastle Jets

A true character of the game, Milicevic has bounced back after a disastrous spell at Melbourne Victory. The giant defender has proven he still has the ability that took him to the UEFA Champions League with FC Thun. Milicevic's passionate and commanding performances in a new-look Newcastle Jets outfit won the Hunter club a spot in the Asian Champions League's second phase. Milicevic is a ruthless defender that has speed which belies his size, and loves playing the ball out from the back . RY

45
Shane Stefanutto
Age 29
Position Left-back
Club FC Lyn Oslo (Norway)

Former Brisbane Strikers defender Stefanutto won't be as well known as other entries after spending the last five years in Norway at Lillestrom and now Lyn. His solitary Socceroos' cap came two years ago in a friendly with China, but Stef has been a regular for Lyn this season and has now found himself dragged back into the Socceroos fray with his recent call-ups. The Cairns-born defender is a potential Scott Chipperfield replacement in the waiting.

44
Michael Beauchamp
Age 28
Position Centre-back
Club AaB (Denmark)

FourFourTwo's first ever Player of the Season back in 2006, Beauchamp was a regular at the back as Central Coast Mariners progressed to the Grand Final. Europe then beckoned with a move to German club FC Nuremberg. In 2008 he switched to Danish champions AaB, but a red card on debut signalled the start of a less fruitful period. "It has certainly been a year to forget," he said last month. "Champs" might have to find a move before rising up our list.

43
David Carney
Age 25
Position Left-back
Club Sheffield United (England)

Capped 18 times for the Socceroos, Carney finds himself in the latter realms of this list after a disappointing return to European football. The versatile lefty started his career in England, before returning to impress in two seasons at Sydney FC. Over the past 12 months a move to Championship outfit Sheffield Untied provided mixed fortunes being loaned to eventually relegated Norwich. While his Socceroos stock remains strong, he will need regular football to push for a World Cup spot.

42
Matt Simon
Age 23
Position Striker
Club Central Coast Mariners

A no-nonsense striker and excellent in the air, Simon's decision to quit his plasterer's apprenticeship to pursue his football ambitions is paying off. A fan favourite at Bluetongue Stadium, Simon's last-ditch goal-scoring feats were the catalyst for some dramatic scenes last season. The young marksman so impressed coach Lawrie McKinna, he played more minutes than the experienced Sasho Petrovski and picked up two awards at the Mariners awards night.

41
Joel Griffiths
Age 29
Position Striker
Club Newcastle Jets

When Griffiths donned the green strip of Beijing Guoan against the Newcastle Jets in the ACL, it was one of the oddest sights seen in Australian football. Such was his impact at the Jets that the club is yet to find a comparable replacement and Griffiths' playing future is still in limbo with both Beijing and the Jets hoping to secure his services long term. Blessed with bags of pace, Griffiths is a cool finisher with an intense desire to win. His influential presence alone can lift an entire team.

Continues on next page...

Fab has based his recent rise on hard work and a penchant for scoring key goals. Assigned with marking Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo in the Asian Champions League semi-final against Bunyodkor, Barbiero kept his midfield rival quiet and even managed to score himself in the 3-0 win. A graduate from the SA state leagues, Fab's hard worked paid off when he was named in the Socceroos' Asian Cup qualifying squad and made a cameo against Kuwait for his first cap.

39
Paul Reid
Age 29
Position Midfielder
Club Adelaide United

Paul Reid once formed part of Australia's golden generation of players. Unfortunately for the former Wollongong Wolves midfielder, his career didn't take the upward curve that
his youth team compatriots at Marconi - Brett Emerton and Harry Kewell - did.

When asked for his first impressions of a young Kewell, then coach at Sydney Olympic (and Harry's current manager), Bernie Mandic, was more impressed with a young Reid.
"When we played Marconi, Paul Reid was the best out of all of them [Kewell, Emerton and Reid]," said Mandic. But while Emerton and Kewell have gone on to have top flight European careers and represent Australia over 100 times between them, Reid wallowed in the lower leagues in England and only made his international debut this year.

Reid joined English side Bradford City in 2002, but was released two years later. He then signed with Brighton & Hove Albion before receiving a similar fait last year when the League One side let him go.

A return to the A-League last season with Adelaide rejuvenated Reid. He formed a solid, reliable midfield cornerstone of Adelaide's journey to the ACL and Grand Final. He was rewarded by making the Socceroos Asian Cup qualifiers squad and, at 29, the man once believed to be better than Kewell made his Socceroos debut in front of 88,000 people in Indonesia.

"That was what I was striving for," said Reid at the time. "I came back here [to Australia] to get into the Socceroos squad."

Gaining a regular Socceroos gig is a bigger ask. Australia's midfield is overflowing with holding midfielders such as Grella, Valeri, Emerton, Jedinak and Culina - all of which sit higher in our list.

However Reid is still testimony to the value of the A-League. He may be turning 30 this month, but he is playing the most consistent football of his career. If he can stay free of the injuries which plagued his time in England, then Reid can look forward to a fitting domestic swansong.

Hopefully there can be a silver lining for the once golden generation graduate after all?

38
Tom Pondeljak
Age 33
Position Midfielder
Club Melbourne Victory

A few years back, Tom Pondeljak could have been forgiven for thinking the best years of his career were behind him. Four caps in 2002 seemed the highlight as he neared his 30s, but along came the A-League and another chapter was written.

An NSL stalwart for several years, when the A-League formed he served Central Coast Mariners well for the first three years.

A return to his hometown of Melbourne last year provided the opportunity for the defining season and moment of his career - Pondeljak's winner in Victory's second Grand Final triumph was also enough to land him the Joe Marston Medal for man of the match.

Boasting a healthy scoring rate wherever he has played, his form throughout the year also enabled him to swell his Australian caps count in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

37
Mark Viduka
Age 33
Position Striker
Club Uncontracted

One of the most naturally gifted Australian players ever is a constant frustration to club and country supporters alike. It is hard to place Dukes higher
on this list after 12 months which yielded no Socceroos performances and only six club level starts with no goals before relegation. However when the V-Bomber did return for the Toon's run-in, he showed flashes of the class we all know he possesses. Not that we're ever likely to see him in the Green and Gold again after his latest national team snub.

36
Mark Milligan
Age 23
Position Centre-back
Club Shanghai Shenhua (China)

Milligan was the shock inclusion in Australia's 2006 World Cup squad. Since then the versatile defender looked to have de-railed his career by aiming a too high too soon after leaving Sydney FC. As well as trialling in Europe, Milligan exhausted himself with a schedule that saw him turn out in the A-League, as well as for the Olyroos and Socceroos.

A move to the Chinese Super League has re-invigorated him however, where he is again beginning to realise the genuine potential he has. RY

35
Tarek Elrich
Age 22
Position Right-back
Club Newcastle Jets

The form of this Elrich brother was effectively the only positive to come from Newcastle Jets' limp title defence last season. Wooden spoon recipients maybe, but Olyroo Elrich's lightning acceleration, petrifying pace and sheer determination made him solid at the back and threatening going forward. Versatile enough to move into midfield and still only 22, if Elrich maintains his current curve of development he could be a shock bolter for inclusion in the South Africa squad.

34
Danny Allsopp
Age 30
Position Striker
Club Melbourne Victory

This speedster may not get the accolades of strike partner Archie Thompson, but there is little doubt his form has a direct correlation to the fortunes of his team. Impressively, Allsopp netted 12 and 13 times in the 2006/07 and 2008/09 seasons to deliver a major contribution to Victory's two championships. Even more encouraging is the ruthless streak that emerged last year. Allsopp's memorable sideline clash with Sydney FC's John Kosmina was just one example of his new win-at-all costs attitude.

33
Rodrigo Vargas
Age 30
Position Centre-back
Club Melbourne Victory

Vargas spent most of last year looking like Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis, but a now clean shaven Roddy didn't give anything away in his rollercoaster year. As Victory sweeped the board in Australia, his partnership with captain Kevin Muscat was the platform for such domination. After years hovering on the outskirts of Socceroo squads, Vargas finally made his international debut against Indonesia in January and was easily Australia's best player in the goalless stalemate.

32
Billy Celeski
Age 23
Position Midfielder
Club Melbourne Victory

There was little joy to be taken out of the Olyroo's performance at the Beijing Olympics, but Celeski was one player who emerged from the tournament with his reputation enhanced. The livewire midfielder is tireless, giving teammates options in attack and works equally hard when tracking back. Still only 23, Celeski has won a state championship with Bulleen and became an integral member of Victory's championship-winning side, starting 23 matches during
the successful campaign.

31
Michael Petkovic
Age 32
Position Goalkeeper
Club Sivasspor (Turkey)

With Mark Schwarzer possibly hanging up his gloves after the World Cup next year, the race to be his successor is well and truly on. With his recent success in Turkey, Petkovic will fancy his chances after helping take unfancied Sivasspor to second place in the Turkish Super Lig and into the Champions League qualifying stage. A regular throughout the campaign, he even managed to score from his own penalty box after a mammoth clearance found the net.

Continued on next page

This karate-chopping hitman might not score five goals every match, but his class and touch are undeniable. Though he has struggled with some injuries, Archie remains
the A-League's most lethal attacker. Thompson did not have the desired impact at the Beijing Olympics that fans had hoped for but his positional play, attempts on goal and assists statistics prove there's more to this showman than finishing. Can he do enough ahead of South Africa?

29
James Holland
Age 20
Position Midfielder
Club AZ Alkmaar (Holland)

The A-League's very own Hand of God finds himself plying his trade in namesake pastures after winning the 2008 Grand Final with Newcastle Jets. Young Socceroos captain Holland is more potential than realisation so far, but showed enough quality this year to ink a deal with AZ Alkmaar after a successful trial. Yet to make his first appearance for the new Dutch champions, Holland will spend next season under the watchful gaze of AZ's new coach - legendary defender Ronald Koeman.

28
Vince Grella
Age 29
Position Midfielder
Club Blackburn (England)

If Vince had just spent the last 12 months playing regular football and less time struggling with injuries and form, he would undoubtedly have found himself in the top 20 of this list.

This year, after a decade in Italy, the competitive midfield enforcer fancied his chances in the England with Blackburn.

"I'd made up my mind to leave Italy," said Grella. "I'm happy that I started my career in that country but it was just getting a little bit stale there."

A new challenge in one of the world's best league awaited, but his debut against Lucas Neill's West Ham provided a bittersweet introduction. He may have provided the assist for the only Blackburn goal, but was lucky to escape with a yellow card after a horror challenge and was substituted at half-time.

A calf injury kept him out of the side for a month as Blackburn had a abysmal start under new coach Paul Ince.

"There is a real intensity and attacking mentality to the English game and it is only natural I will need time to get used to it," pleaded Grella as he settled into life in England. He was excellent on his home debut in October against Middlesbrough, but the physio bench beckoned once again soon after.

By January his injury ravaged season had many questioning the value of his $7.4m move. "The last few months has felt like six years," said Grella. "Trying to settle in my family in a new country and not being able to play has made me very frustrated. It has been a terrible start but I will turn it around. I am happy to be at Blackburn."

As the season progressed, new coach Sam Allardyce, turned the team's fortunes around and they avoided relegation. Grella only mustered 17 Blackburn appearances, but it was enough to partly impress the new coach.

"We've not seen the best of his [Grella's] passing abilities yet," said Allardyce. "The fitter he gets and the more he copes with the pace, the more we will see his outstanding passing moves come through".

Grella has remained part of Verbeek's Socceroos plans when fit, but with competition fierce in both Blackburn and the Socceroos' midfields, staying injury free will be vital for the hardman next season.

27
Travis Dodd
Age 29
Position Midfielder
Club Adelaide United

One of the most consistent players at Aurelio Vidmar's disposal, Dodd's acceleration gives the Reds one of the A-League's most unpredictable weapons. The attacking midfielder is naturally-gifted and has been a target of clubs from both Japan and Korea. His personal haul of seven goals in 23 starts during Adelaide's 2008/09 campaign helped the club to their second Grand Final appearance in three years. If this form continues, United might just struggle to keep him.

26
Brad Jones
Age 27
Position Goalkeeper
Club Middlesbrough (England)

While most Australian 'keepers have lived in the shadow of Schwarzer's 15 year international career, Jones has played that understudy role twice over.

During his eight years with Middlesbrough, while Schwarz had a stranglehold on the Boro number one spot, Jones was farmed out to lowly English sides. When Schwarz moved to Fulham at the start of the season, Jones was given his chance.

With a season of EPL experience under his belt, he was recalled to Verbeek's squad for "Super June". Last season may have heralded the end of Boro's 11-year stint in England's top tier, but Jones was by no means the catalyst for their demise. If Jones can take his superb shot-stopping and iron out the odd blunder, then a full season in the Championship will see him mature into another keeping option.

25
Scott Jamieson
Age 20
Position Left-back
Club Adelaide United

If the A-League was created to nurture young Australian talent, then pint-sized Scott is the poster boy. Last year he returned home after two years at English side Bolton, without making an appearance for the EPL outfit, but since making his A-League debut in Round One, Jamieson has formed an important part of the A-League's tightest defence. He was instrumental in the Red's journey to the ACL Final, won his first Socceroos' cap and then landed the A-League Young Player of the Year award. Tons of potential.

24
Jade North
Age 27
Position Centre-back
Club Incheon Utd (South Korea)

A prolific flirter with various clubs in recent years, the versatile and solid former Newcastle Jets captain turned his back on marquee status with North Queensland to ink
a deal with K-League club Incheon United late last year. The move came off the back of Jets' poorest season, but North escaped with his reputation intact. A central figure in the Verbeek era, playing in South Korea's top flight will only serve to boost his appeal as Pim decides who should partner Neill at the back.

23
Bruce Djite
Age 22
Position Striker
Club Genclerbirligi (Turkey)

When powerhouse forward Djite failed to be named in the 2008 Olyroos squad for Beijing, there was a sense that one of Australia's brightest talents had been overlooked. The Olyroos were duly out-muscled by the likes of the Serbs, but Djite had his own plans as he moved to Europe to prove his budding potential on a bigger stage.

"It's interesting in Turkey," says Djite. "The day of the first game of the season... they sacrificed a goat". Seven goals this term means Bruce scored more goals at Genclerbirligi than he did in his last year at Adelaide.

By no means a regular in the side, he has progressed enough to prove a regular Socceroos' squad member. He may still be seeking his first goal in the Green and Gold, but there is a feeling that if he can work on his consistency, his international cameos will become leading roles.

22
Nikita Rukavytsya
Age 21
Position Striker
Club FC Twente (Holland)

"Ruka" possesses the sort of lightning pace that puts defenders on their back sides and back sides in seats on the bench. He also has a sweet left foot to support his pace.
10 goals for Perth Glory last term engineered a reported A-League record transfer of $1.2m to Dutch outfit FC Twente. Few could begrudge his move and if you were going to put your money on a bolter for South Africa next year, the speedy youngster would seem a decent bet.

21
Kevin Muscat
Age 36
Position Centre-back
Club Melbourne Victory

It has been three years since the tenacious Muscat last played for the Socceroos and four since he returned home to lead the A-League's most successful team. That doesn't stop the tough-tackling Muscat from sitting on the cusp of our top 20 current Aussie players. Melbourne Victory's captain, assistant coach and on-field linchpin is inspirational and unmovable, whether he is asked to play in defence or midfield. He proved that once more last season as Victory landed the golden toilet seat again.

Continued on next page

Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic has had a year most players can only dream about.

His standout performances between the sticks helped the Reds make the finals of two competitions - the Asian Champions League and the A-League - as well as winning a string of personal accolades, including A-League Keeper of the Year and United's Player's Player Award.

"Gene" was rewarded for his efforts with a call-up to the Socceroos squad, playing against Indonesia in an Asian Cup qualifier and making the sqaud for the crucial game against Japan in February.

For the 27-year-old stopper, it's the culmination of a plenty of hard work since joining Adelaide from rivals Melbourne Victory midway through the 2007/08 season.

"What impresses me most about Eugene is his work ethic," says Adelaide goalkeeper coach Peter Blazincic. "He never complains about any extra work and he's a great professional. That kind of attitude will pay off for you and Eugene's proven that."

Countless times during the last campaign, it was Galekovic's heroics that kept Adelaide in the game and you could make a highlight reel of the A-League's best saves from his performances alone.

There was none better than his stunner in the last minute against Perth, a split-second reaction save to claw Jamie Harnwell's header away and preserve a 1-0 win.

But for Blazincic, it was Galekovic's body of work over the entire campaign rather than any individual moment that impressed him the most.

"I don't think you can isolate a moment because it was such a good season. The save against Perth is the one you remember but there were great performances throughout the ACL and A-League. When he was injured in Tashkent, he had a great game and we didn't even expect him to play."

Missing out on national team selection for June's qualifiers, Galekovic is a victim of the A-League's long off-season, but don't expect to see him angling for a move anytime soon.

"18 months ago I was in Melbourne and on the bench as the second keeper," says the man himself. "To come to Adelaide and get a new lease of life, I love it here."

19
Richard Garcia
Age 27
Position Winger
Club Hull City (England)

Considering he has been plying his trade overseas for a decade, it is baffling to consider Garcia has only made his mark at the highest level in the past year.
As Hull were promoted to the Premiership, Garcia was regonised with his first Socceroos' cap in August. An equally unlikely EPL survival campaign followed for Hull and Garcia was a solid performer with 23 appearances. The late bloomer continuing to see his career blossom and was a surprise Socceroos starter against Uzbekistan.

18
Nick Carle
Age 27
Position Midfielder
Club Crystal Palace (England)

Anyone who remembers Carle's season two Goal of the Season for the Newcastle Jets knows this playmaker has a special creative ability. Now residing in the English Championship with Palace after stints in Turkey and with Bristol City, Carle has found his feet in London with a regular starting spot and a few goals to boot. Finding a place on Pim's squad sheet has provided more difficult. After being omitted from the Dutchman's 35-man squad last year, his persistence finally saw him recalled for the June World Cup qualifiers.

17
James Troisi
Age 20
Position Winger
Club Genclerbirligi (Turkey)

Another of those weighted with the burden of his "next Kewell" tag, left winger Troisi has taken himself from the out-of-contract wilderness to a hat-trick hero in the Turkish Superlig in the past year. Before signing his deal at Genclerbirligi in August, he had failed to land a contract extension at EPL side Newcastle United, but life in Turkey has reaffirmed his potential, highlighted by scoring all of his side's goals in a 3-1 win over Kayserispor. Continues to wait in the Socceroos wings, but for how much longer?

16
Adam Federici
Age 24
Position Goalkeeper
Club Reading (England)

Fed was the stand-out star of the disappointing Beijing Olympics last year. This season in England, Fed spent a 10 game loan spell at League One side Southend, before returning to Reading. Injury to first choice custodian Hahnemann gave the Olyroo his chance to impress, which even included a goal against Cardiff. The Royals' season trailed off and they fell short of promotion, but Fed impressed enough for Hahnemann to be released.
A full term as Reading's number one awaits him next season.

15
Carl Valeri
Age 24
Position Midfielder
Club Grosseto (Italy)

Over the last 12 months the midfield screener has quietly established his credentials in the national team with some assured performances in the Socceroo engine-room. With Culina and Grella being Verbeek's first choice midfield tandem, it has left Valeri filling in admirably when needed and now looks to be a shoo-in as first choice post-2010. At club level the 24-year-old is still playing in Serie B for Grosseto. Moving to a bigger league will strengthen his chances of shifting up the list.

14
Craig Moore
Age 33
Position Centre-back
Club Brisbane Roar

Despite a roller-coaster of a year, Moore's been able to exert a calming influence at the back for both club and country. For the Socceroos, his return after a short-lived retirement stiffened the national team's defence when it was needed most. At the Roar, Moore's form contributed to the side's play-offs run which fell agonisingly short earlier this year. All this after the 33-year old was diagnosed with testicular cancer late last year, proving once again Moore's inspirational qualities.

13
Brett Emerton
Age 30
Position Midfielder
Club Blackburn (England)

Emmo's energy and creativity has been sorely missed over the last six months. It says much about Emerton's value that he can finish in the top 15 of this list even after missing half of the season with injury. If Emerton had continued with his scorching form for the Socceroos, he could've easily slipped into a top three slot. His superb form in round three and four World Cup qualifiers last year bear that out with an enormous work-rate down the right together with his goals and brilliant crossing.

12
Mile Jedinak
Age 24
Position Midfielder
Club Genclerbirligi (Turkey)

Just a couple of seasons ago, Mile Jedinak was playing in the NSW State League with Sydney United. Now, he's a regular in the Turkish Superlig with Genclerbirligi, alongside fellow Aussies Bruce Djite and James Troisi.

His meteoric rise up the ranks, via two seasons with Central Coast Mariners, is hardly a surprise if you've seen the man play.

A tough, uncompromising force in the middle of the park, his versatility makes him a valuable commodity.
He can mark a player out of a game (Juninho at Sydney in season three springs to mind) or put them to the sword with a timely goal (scoring the winner against Fenerbahce in February).

Another strong outing in Turkey next season and there's a very good chance the "Jedi" will be on a plane to South Africa in 2010.

11
Josh Kennedy
Age 26
Position Striker
Club Nagoya Grampus (Japan)

Despite some game-changing performances in the 2006 World Cup and being a regular scorer in Germany for nearly a decade, it's been the last 12 months that Josh Kennedy has emerged as the Socceroos most dangerous frontman.

Beginning in August last year, Josh scored three goals in as many months for the national team, including the winning header in a 2-1 win over Holland in Eindhoven.

Against Uzbekistan in a crucial World Cup qualifier in April, it was Kennedy's introduction as a second half sub that turned the tide for Australia and his 66th minute header paved the way to a 2-0 win and top spot in the group.

In fact, Kennedy has made an impact in almost every Socceroo game he's played in (remember how he wreaked havoc in the games against Japan and Croatia in 2006 as
a substitute). At 6ft 5in, there's no surprise Josh is good in the air, but like fellow cloud-skimmer Peter Crouch, he's got a good touch and can hold the ball up effectively for his teammates too.

Kennedy's club form was disappointing though, with the Wodonga-born frontman going more than 20 Bundesliga games without a goal en route to Karlsruher being relegated to the second tier of German football. In an attempt to turn around his domestic fortunes, last month Kennedy signed for J.League outfit Nagoya Grampus.

Not that his lack of goalscoring form at club level has affected his Socceroo chances, with Kennedy fast becoming a favourite of Pim Verbeek as the big outlet up front for the Dutchman's often defensive approach.

(Anyone else notice we wrote this entire piece without once making a single Jesus reference...?)

Continued on next page

It may surprise some that a Hartlepool player who hasn't played for the Socceroos since 2002 would finish in the top ten.

But ask anyone down at Victoria Park and they'll tell you about a player who has become a club legend after six years and more than 60 goals, including 23 last season, for the "monkey-hangers".

Now at Gold Coast, if he can continue his Hartlepool form, we'll all be able to see why he's rated so highly. Put him down as one of the dark horses for the World Cup finals squad.

9
Mark Bresciano
Age 29
Position Midfielder
Club Palermo (Italy)

There is a feeling that Bresc's stay in Italy has gone off the boil ever since the goal happy midfielder stated his desire to leave the Rosanero.

After the Asian Cup in 2007, a move to the EPL with Manchester City seemed a done deal. "I needed a new challenge and I wanted to get the excitement factor back into my game," he said at the time.

But after the transfer fell flat, so did Palermo fans' enthusiasm for their want-away Aussie. "Many of us haven't forgiven him for wanting that move to Manchester City," said Palermo fan Steven van Duyse.

Donning the famous pink Palermo shirt last season came off the back of further transfer speculation but Bresc played on in a massive test of character. To make matters worse, he found himself on the bench more than usual but when given his opportunity, he gave the perfect response to the passionate Sicilian fans. In January, Bresc's side travelled to Sampdoria and won 2-0, both goals coming from the shiny head of the midfielder.
The ability to score at crucial times is what makes Bresc such a dangerous asset for Australia. Few will forget his goal in Sydney during the World Cup play-off against Uruguay in 2005. Aloisi's penalty is the eternal memory, but it wouldn't have been possible without Bresc's goal.

His penchant for vital goals and performances has been evident again in Australia's convincing World Cup qualification campaign.

When the Socceroos travelled to Bahrain in November, they were thoroughly outplayed by their hosts. While the Socceroos created next to nothing for 90 minutes, Al-Ahmar peppered the goal and missed a host of chances. One mistake in the dying seconds made the difference. Bahrain captain Mohamed Husain failed to cut out a hopeful long pass and Bresc latched onto the ball, steadied himself and lashed the ball in. The performance didn't deserve the win, but Bresc's goal did.

When Uzbekistan travelled to Sydney in April, a 2-0 victory all but ensured World Cup finals football next year. Bresc starred in one of his best outings for Australia, crossing for Kennedy's 66th-minute opener in a near perfect personal performance.

8
Luke Wilkshire
Age 27
Position Right-back
Club Dynamo Moscow (Russia)

Guus Hiddink turned this attacking right-back from a struggling figure in the English leagues to a regular for the Socceroos in 2006. After the World Cup Wilkshire joined Dutch side FC Twente and helped the club to their first ever Champions League appearance, but last year Wilkshire achieved another first - an Australian playing in Russia. Wilkshire moved to Dynamo Moscow and has impressed in his frosty new surroundings, helping his team reach the Russian Cup semis.

7
Scott Chipperfield
Age 33
Position Winger
Club Basel (Switzerland)

Chippers is the Benjamin Button of Australian football - at 33, he keeps getting better with age. Despite being strongly linked with a move back home, the free-scoring defender-cum-midfielder
has earned a one year extension to his deal in Europe. You can understand why too. He was Basel's top scorer with 12 goals, including a domestic hat-trick in March. He's "chipped-in" for the Socceroos too, including his winner away at Uzbekistan.

6
Jason Culina
Age 28
Position Midfielder
Club Gold Coast United

The highest placed A-League player on the list, but it is on foreign shores where Culina earned his spot. After nine years in the Dutch league the technically gifted, intelligent midfielder has heralded a
new era for the A-League by returning at the height of his powers. Despite his consistent performances for club and country, Pim has expressed concern about his return,
but Culina will be given more attacking licence at Gold Coast which could add a new dimension to his game.

5
Scott McDonald
Age 25
Position Striker
Club Celtic (Scotland)

No Australian player scores more goals than Macca. It's a surprise he is yet to break his duck in 13 Socceroos outings, but the stocky goal poacher finds himself in our top five based on club form. 19 goals for the Hoops this season wasn't enough to land the SPL title, but the club's top scorer carried his misfiring teammates all season. Doubters might point to the weaker Scottish league, but tell that to Manchester United, who fell victim to Macca's classy and composed lob during their visit in the Champions League.

4
Lucas Neill
Age 31
Position Centre-back
Club Uncontracted

As club and country captain, Neill spent the last 12 months proving why he is Australia's leader. An injury ravaged squad, a unproven boss and a heavily indebted owner had West Ham fans worried. However Neill regained some of his best form to steady the ship and guide the Hammers into ninth. With his contract up, it could prove to be a swansong. For the Socceroos, Lucas was again impeccable as the team formed the tightest defence in Asian World Cup qualifying.

3
Harry Kewell
Age 30
Position Winger
Club Galatasaray (Turkey)

With a heavy heart Australians have watched their favourite footballing son struggle with injuries and form during his ruinous spell with Liverpool.

In June last year, Kewell's Liverpool contract expired and a new era for the most naturally gifted Australian player of his generation awaited.

"I wanted to move on and this is the best way," said Kewell after inking his deal in Turkey with Galatasaray. "I can't wait to get started, it's just what I'm looking forward to, a new challenge."

That fresh challenge was exactly what Kewell needed. Years of injuries ensured Harry had his fair share of doubters on arrival Istanbul but his desire to play and dedication to returning to the peak of his powers has never diminished.

His Gala career started at breakneck speed, scoring seven goals in his first 13 matches. A hernia operation before Christmas halted his progress slightly, but Harry returned to the fray in the New Year, but with more varying degrees of success.

Harry's new coach had him playing all over the pitch - even in central defence for a spell - and yet the new Harry went about the shift in the manner you would expect and did a fine job too.

The goalscoring highlight of his Turkish adventure came against French side Bordeaux in the UEFA Cup. Collecting the ball a full 30 metres out, Harry took one touch and unleashed an unstoppable thunderbolt into the top corner.

Kewell scored 12 goals in all competitions in a disappointing season for his club, which saw the Turkish Super Lig holder finish a feeble fifth.

When Cim Bom had Harry on the field and playing in his preferred role, they looked a far more threatening side.

That kind of form has made him a huge favourite with the passionate Gala fans. They know him as the "Wizard of Oz" or "Harry Potter", and would expect to see their new found hero back next year.

"Turkey is very good for him," said Verbeek in March. "Harry is really fit, fitter than ever. It's the best Harry Kewell I have seen since I came here, physically and mentally."
The fledgling wide-man has been a more regular Socceroo performer over the past 12 months too. Eight games and four goals for the Socceroos is an encouraging return for the reborn Harry.

2
Tim Cahill
Age 29
Position Midfielder
Club Everton (England)

To fully appreciate Tim Cahill it is worth considering Australian football without him. Imagine if he didn't come off the bench against Japan in the 2006 World Cup and score Australia's first World Cup goal to win their first ever finals match. The Asian Cup was deemed a failure, but Cahill still produced our first goal (and win) in that tournament too.

And horror of all horrors, imagine the Socceroos taking on the world's elite in South Africa without its best outfield player...

Taking a moment to consider Cahill outside of the Australian fraternity, perhaps playing for his father's native Samoa, is not a happy place.

No Aussie resides in the EPL's "Big Four" or any of the lead clubs in Italy or Spain. It's a disappointing statistic, but you always feel Cahill, nominee of the prestigious Ballon D'Or in 2006, is the most likely to reach those heights. Cahill has proven over the last 12 months for club and country, that he is the Aussie candidate for "world class" status.

This season Cahill was Everton's driving force in the middle of the park, ending up top scorer as the Toffees reached fifth position and the FA Cup final. He chalked up his 100th goal in senior English football, and became the first Everton player since 1931 to score in three separate Merseyside derbies at Anfield.

He added to his Socceroos tally too, with the opener against Qatar in Brisbane. After the game former Socceroos coach Rale Rasic described Cahill as the best Australian footballer he had seen in his lifetime. Rasic wasn't the only one lining up to praise Cahill this year either.

"If I am a defender, and I have to play against Timmy Cahill, I'm sure I'll have a difficult time," said Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek.

"I think he's shown a real spirit for the team which is very important to any club," said Everton coach David Moyes.

"He is the prince of footballers," said Everton chairman Bill Kenwright. "He is a fantastic player," added Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger. "Tactically very good and very intelligent too."
Taking Tim for granted is not an option - he is a once in a generation talent who makes any side he's playing in better by his sheer prescence.

An Australia without Tim Cahill? It's a thought that doesn't bear thinking about...

1
Mark Schwarzer
Age 36
Position Goalkeeper
Club Fulham (England)

Australia's undisputed number one assumes that position in our inaugural list after arguably his finest campaign for both club and country.

The call to put Schwarzer at the top of the podium was close, but in the end there is no more deserving winner based on the last 12 months.

At club level, Mark made an unexpected move by ending his 11 year stay with Middlesbrough to join fellow mid-table inhabitants - and previously relegation flirters - Fulham. Considering he turned down moves to Juventus and Bayern Munich to join the Londoners, many might have questioned the move at the player's career twilight.
But his impact in London - and the hole he left on Teesside - perfectly illustrated the Socceroo No.1's talents.

Having finishing just above the drop zone the season before, Fulham were tipped for relegation again, while Boro were looking to kick on from a mid-table finish under Gareth Southgate. The two club's reversal of fortunes and Schwarzer swapping clubs was more than just a coincidence.

In the capital Mark played all 38 league games, keeping an impressive 15 clean sheets as Fulham beat out the likes of Tottenham and newly super-rich Manchester City into a Europa League qualifying spot.

In contrast, Middlesbrough shipped 57 goals as they slipped out of the English top flight for the first time in 11 years (conveniently the same length of time Schwarz found himself between their sticks).

It might seem slightly churlish to place so much credit to one player, but such is the impact of the man. Further proof behind his eminence was found on the international front this year too.

As the Socceroos progressed to their second consecutive World Cup finals appearance, it was their defence which provided the platform for success. Only four goals conceded all campaign, including seven clean sheets in a row, enabled the Socceroos to land vital points during their tricky trips across Asia.

When travelling to Japan, some Socceroos arrived just 36 hours before kick-off. Schwarzer was at his heroic best to deny the Blue Samurai time and time again in the goalless deadlock, including palming over Endo's strike from the edge of the box near the death.
The "lucky" win in Bahrain and the business-like victory over Uzbekistan, were all based on nicking a goal and keeping a clean sheet for two 1-0 wins and six vital points. Schwarz was brilliant in both encounters.

At the end of this month, Schwarzer will have been a Socceroo for 16 years. Now Australia's longest ever serving player, he is still the most valuable asset the team has, regardless of age.

Others agree. Last month he was presented with the highest individual honour for a male footballer in this country at the Australian Football Awards in Sydney. Mark also won
the Football Media Association's International Player of the Year.

It is also fitting to see a goalkeeper top our list. The top 50 boasts five stoppers, meaning 10 per cent of our finest talents are vying for one position. They've had an immoveable obstacle in Schwarz in recent years, a fact that will remain until he decides to hang his gloves up.

Let's just hope we don't have as big a problem as Middlesbrough replacing him.