Joe Marston

Club: Preston North End 1950-55

Appearances: 185

The pioneering Sydneysider was the defensive linchpin in a fine Preston team. Signed in 1950, Marston was not only the first Australian to play in England but also the FA Cup final. He was a key man in the team that were denied the 1953 First Division title on goal average. Finished his career at Deepdale by being serenaded from the field to the tune of Waltzing Matilda. Named one of the club's six greatest-ever players last year.

Midfielders

Craig Johnston

Clubs: Middlesbrough 1977-81, Liverpool 1981-1988

Number of all competition appearances: 335

Goals: 56

An outstanding attacking midfielder and a regular member of a magnificent Liverpool side in the early 1980s. What he lacked in technical ability, he made up for with an eye for goal, pace and power. Despite an outgoing personality, Johnston was constantly wracked with self-doubt and even went as far to claim he was the worst player in a fantastic team. He wasn't.

Mile Jedinak

Crystal Palace 2011-16, Aston Villa 2016-19

Appearances: 257

Goals: 12

Robbie Slater became the first Australian to win a Premier League title in 1995 at Blackburn and enjoyed spells at West Ham and Southampton. However, he's edged out by former Socceroos skipper Jedinak. The defensive midfielder was an inspirational captain at Palace and played a significant role in their promotion to the EPL in 2014. After helping them stay there, he led the Eagles out for the 2016 FA Cup final. Joined Villa later that year and won promotion again in 2019.

Tim Cahill

Millwall 1998-2004, 2019; Everton 2004-2012

Appearances: 453

Goals: 108

In addition to being a Socceroos great, Cahill is held in similarly-high esteem at Millwall and Everton. Signed for just $A3.8 million by the Toffees, in an eight-year stint he regularly topped their scoring charts. Scored in three successive World Cups for Australia and joined some exalted company by appearing in his fourth in 2018.

PLUS...

Never again? Aussies' path to the EPL harder than ever

A former EPL head of recruitment believes it's harder than ever for Australian players to make it to the Premier League.