Lucas Neill

Left Back – Lucas Neill

A defensive tyrant and one of the most talented, dedicated footballers to ever don the Socceroos jersey, Lucas Neill left the CoE for England in 1995 – aged just 17 – where he would spend the next 15 years of his decorated career.

After establishing himself at Millwall, he left the Den to join Blackburn Rovers where for the next seven years he would build a reputation for being one of the English Premier League’s fiercest leaders.

In some ways a victim of his own love for the Socceroos, Neill alienated many of his own fans due to a series of incidents late in his career.

Yet with 91 caps for Australia, 61 as captain (the most of any Socceroo) and one of the most impressive European careers of any Australian, Neill’s legacy should always be one of immense admiration.

Josip Simunic

Centre Back – Josip Simunic

Born in Canberra to Bosnian-Croat parents, the exceptionally talented and technically adept defender is truly the one who got away.

Simunic’s decision to abandon the country of his birth to represent Croatia – and become the third highest-capped Croatian of all time – was so devastating to Australian football that the CoE forced future abdicating internationals to pay the FFA for their academy tuition.

Regardless of Australian animosity towards Simunic – a sentiment enhanced by his controversial 2006 World Cup performance against Australia – the 1996 NSL Youth Player of the Year is one of the finest products to ever come out of the CoE.

One hundred and five caps for the Vatreni complements a legendary Bundesliga career, with 222 appearances for Hertha Berlin bringing an era of success to one of Germany’s famously under-achieving clubs.

Tactically proficient both on and off the field, Simunic’s days of haunting Australia may not be over yet – the 39-year-old is now Croatia’s assistant coach.