4. MARK BOSNICH

Has Mark Bosnich’s recent comeback attempt just been a clever ploy to remind our voters just how good he was?

Or is he doing pre-promotion for a lucrative Sophie Anderton saucy video release. Either way, it’s worked on FourFourTwo readers.

While many keepers don’t peak until well into their 30s, Bosnich was regarded as one of the best keepers in the world by his mid-20s, having burst onto the scene at Aston Villa with a rep for making spectacular saves.

In 1997 he became the only keeper to ever be named Oceania Footballer of the Year.

After 227 appearances for Villa, Bosnich filled the biggest shoes in football, taking over from the treble-winning Peter Schmeichel at Manchester United. However from there, the champagne lifestyle took its toll.

The breakdown of his marriage, a Nazi salute, model girlfriends, cocaine, and injuries saw “Bozza” out of the game at the age of 31.

Now, still only 35 and two years younger than United’s current first choice keeper, Bosnich is contemplating a comeback. Training with QPR, he has shed 20kg and is looking for a contract – he’s even aiming to add to his meagre total of 17 Socceroos caps.

It would be a more fitting finale for the career of one of Australia’s finest players.

“No other Australian could ever have been considered the best player in the world in his position. Even Kewell was never as good an attacking left-sided midfielder as Giggs.” Oliver, via email

“You’ve got to be pretty special to replace Schmeichel.” Peter Marks, via email

“My fave Socceroos are Emerton, Milligan, Dukes and Bosnich, but only one of which I would consider to be in the best 25, let alone five – Bosnich, once the best keeper in the world.” Guest

“Hiddink would never have had that awful Kalac or Schwarzer question against Croatia if Bosnich had been fit to play for Australia. He was obviously our best.” Stefan, via email

“His skills will be forever overshadowed by his off-field antics.” afromanGT


5. CRAIG JOHNSTON
Why do we have a guy on our list who didn’t even play for Australia? In fact, he was born in South Africa and played for England U21 and described playing football for Australia as being “like surfing for England”.

Because when Craig Johnston’s big hair was popping up for the world’s most successful club in the ’80s, scoring an FA Cup winning goal, Australia was captivated.

Johnston, who grew up in Lake Macquarie in NSW, epitomises much of what Australians treasure most in their sporting heroes: ever the underdog, he overcame severe osteomyelitis as a child, ignored rejections, and made the most of his limited talents to succeed on the biggest stage.

He became a cult figure at Liverpool for his crazy long corkscrew hair, super-sub contributions, individuality and total commitment, and Australians couldn’t be more proud at a time when we were deprived of success stories.

Unfortunately Johnston retired prematurely at just 27 to care for his ill sister.

However his stubborn dedication saw him make a final major contribution to the sport – as the creator of Adidas’ revolutionary Predator boot.

“Some might say how did Johnston get in, and he didn’t play for Australia. Well, he played for Liverpool, scored the first goal from an Aussie in the FA Cup Final and he made the Predator.” zimbos_05

“Johnston gets in for guts, and being on late night TV when I was a kid.” norimike

“My earliest memories of football are of Johnston running through the streets in that Tooheys ad.” Tim, via email

“Australians didn’t realise we could make it overseas till that crazy-haired bloke popped up to score that FA Cup Final goal. He was on his own.” Simon, via email