Craig Moore

Centre Back – Craig Moore

Another fierce leader and pillar of defensive gusto, Craig Moore spent one year at the famed Canberra academy before joining Ranger’s youth set-up in Scotland.

After 10 years captaining the Scottish giants, punctuated by a brief spell at Crystal Palace, Moore returned to England, joining Newcastle United in 2005, before returning to Australia to captain the Brisbane Roar for two seasons.

Kevin Muscat may have had a greater European impact – for reasons right and wrong – but Moore was a different style of defender. Reserved, composed, yet incredibly effective.

Besides, a Simunic / Muscat combination might be a little too much, even for an academy that taught ‘Australian football’.

Moore will forever be remembered for his slotted penalty against Croatia that delivered Australia their best-ever performance at the 2006 World Cup.

Over the course of 15 years and 52 appearances for the Socceroos, Moore cemented his place among the greatest centre-halves Australia, and the CoE, have ever produced.

Luke Wilkshire

Right Back – Luke Wilkshire

The only starter in Australia’s 2006 World Cup campaign to still be playing today – for Dynamo Moscow no less – Guus Hiddink praised Wilkshire as one of the most technically gifted Australian players during his reign – and there were a few to choose from.

Unfortunately for Wilkshire, his place at the heart of the golden generation is often overlooked, and he now occupies a position as one of the Socceroos forgotten men.

Wilkshire left the CoE aged 18 for Middlesborough’s academy, and went on to become a Bristol City stalwart, making 112 appearances for the Robins.

Wilkshire then flourished in the Russian Premier League for Dynamo Moscow, and the Eredivisie for FC Twente and Feyenoord.

A fantastic crosser and capable on either flank, Wilkshire was a constant threat down Australia’s right-side during both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, exhibiting the searing work-rate and tactical nous that has added to the defender’s longevity.

Many pundits considered him an unfair victim of Postecoglou’s Socceroos regeneration, but he’ll always be remembered as the finest specialist fullback the CoE has ever produced.