Brett Emerton

An unparalleled physical specimen, Emo is more than just another player on this list that formed part of Australia’s golden generation. Liverpool great Ian Rush spotted his talent as a boy at Sydney Olympic, saying later of the Australian, ‘he just had something’.

Most underestimated in Emerton’s impressive arsenal, and there was a lot, was his ability over a dead ball and venemous long-range strike, a trait he showcased during his time at Feyenoord, before touring it for Australians while he was at Sydney FC.

Due to his prodigious skill, work-rate and subsequent longevity, Emerton enhanced the reputation of Australians in England, as able to offer vastly more than just robust aggression.

The fourth highest-capped Socceroo of all time, Emerton’s 95 caps could have been far greater had an injury not prematurely ended his international career.

Following retirement, Emerton was a natural choice for an FFA ambassador role. Like many Socceroos he has an extensive portfolio of investment properties, and has publicly stated he wishes to start his own football website.

Mark Viduka

The 2007 Asian Cup was the last time ‘Dukes’ ever appeared in a Socceroos jersey. He may have left international football suddenly, and without explanation, but with three goals at least he left the Asian Cup in style.

He was more mysterious than Neill, but without all the controversial intrigue stemming from quarrelling with fans and youth players. Nevertheless, in the latter stages of his career Viduka did polarise.

Many accused him of never showing full commitment to the national team. While it’s easy to criticise given the exceptional efforts of many other Australians on this list, Viduka was an enigma, in every way.

40 goals in just 48 appearances for the Melbourne Knights – where the Knights Stadium’s only grandstand now bears his name. 40 goals in 84 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb, a mammoth 30 in 37 for Scottish giants Celtic, and 59 in 130 for English dynamo Leeds United.

Many, including Viduka himself, have spoken out about his upbringing, and how it influenced the way he deals with publicity today. He retired aged 31, lives in Melbourne with his wife and children, and still feverously supports Melbourne Knights.