Vince Grella

Centre Midfield – Vince Grella

A brilliant defensive midfielder, Grella was the unsung hero of Australia’s 2006 World Cup campaign, and the only Australian to make the preliminary FIFA team of the tournament.

Despite obvious talent, during his international career Grella was often the victim of the overshadowing forces around him, otherwise known as the likes of Kewell, Bresciano and Emerton.

But even though Grella’s Italian career largely echoed that of Bresciano, with similar success in stints for Empoli, Ternana, Torino and Parma – captaining the latter – Grella’s tactical acuteness deserves special recognition within this XI.

Unfortunately for Vince, his international legacy – and 46 caps – may have been far greater had he not suffered from the endless injuries that eventually forced his retirement at the age of 32.

Nevertheless, Grella’s distinguished European career – in spite of his betraying body – nudges him above the usually irrepressible Josip Skoko for the last central midfield role in this list.

Brett Emerton

Right Midfield – Brett Emerton

A graduate of both the New South Wales Institute of Sport and the CoE, ‘Emo’ had it all from a very young age, quickly gaining the nickname ‘the greyhound’ due to his infallible stamina.

With overwhelming pace, agility and strength, Emerton is yet another player on this list that formed a crucial part of Australia’s golden generation.

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

Like Neill however, Emerton forged the majority of his career in Blackburn, making 247 appearances for the Riverside club.

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.