As the calendar year comes to a close, FourFourTwo’s Ben Somerford reflects on the top 10 Aussies abroad performers across the calendar year.
6 Bailey Wright – Bristol City
Hard-nosed all-action central defender who has worn the armband during Bristol City’s outstanding 2017-18 Championship campaign which has seen them firmly in the mix for automatic promotion. The 25-year-old isn’t a glamorous defender but having played in the English second tier for six seasons now, he knows what it takes to get the job done and lead from the front.
5 Jackson Irvine – Burton Albion/Hull City
Enjoyed an outstanding 2016-17 campaign with the plucky Burton Albion, scoring 10 goals as they surprised many by avoiding relegation. Irvine was named the club’s Player of the Year before winning a move to Championship promotion hopefuls Hull City, where he started slowly but has won his place in midfield. Noticeably, since Irvine’s exit, Burton are well adrift in the relegation zone.

4 Brad Jones – Feyenoord
The perennial deputy has enjoyed a renaissance over the past 18 months since his move to Feyenoord from NEC Nijmegen where he was expected to play second fiddle to Kenneth Vermeer, only for injury to open the door to the 35-year-old Aussie. Jones played 32 games as Feyenoord won the 2016-17 Eredivisie title for the first time in 18 years. He has played another 25 games in the 2017-18 season, including in the UEFA Champions League, keeping eight clean sheets.
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