So Bert van Marwijk has settled on his final squad for this month’s friendlies against Norway and Colombia, with five stars from the Hyundai A-League making the cut for the 26-man squad.
Among the contingent are bolters Dimitri Petratos and Andrew Nabbout – who has recently signed to play in Japan with Urawa Reds – while a couple of established stars are also there.
We look at the Hyundai A-League players to have in van Marwijk’s first full squad.
Bert van Marwijk settles on 26 players for March friendlies
The bolters in van Marwijk’s first Caltex Socceroos squad
Caltex Socceroos’ upcoming friendlies: Your ultimate guide
Josh Brillante
It should come as no surprise the Sydney FC midfielder has the chance to add to his five international caps so far.
The all-action and versatile 24-year-old has been superb for the Sky Blues over the last two season, anchoring the midfield in the club’s back-to-back record-breaking campaigns.
Brillante was unlucky to miss a spot in the squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but his eye-catching performances in the Hyundai A-League means he’s a strong shot to make his first Australian outing in four years.
Dimitri Petratos
The move to the Hunter has proved to be a masterstroke for Petratos, who has been in career-best form under Ernie Merrick at the Newcastle Jets.
With nine goals and eight assists for the campaign, the 25-year-old has simply demanded selection and will relish the chance to show van Marwijk what he’s got.
Also a new dad, life is pretty good for the ex-Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar attacker right now but a ticket on the plane to Russia would cap it all off.
Andrew Nabbout
While technically not a Hyundai A-League player anymore, it has been Nabbout’s scintillating form for the Jets which earned him a spot in the 26.
Nabbout has produced a catalogue of spectacular goals – including a stunner against the Wanderers – and will hope to transfer that into the green and gold.
With pace, power, a huge engine and eye for goal, Nabbout has all the attributes to be a hit for the Caltex Socceroos.
James Troisi
The 2015 AFC Asian Cup hero is practically a regular in the Caltex Socceroos squad now and he’s been producing some of his best form with Melbourne Victory of late.
It was his cross on Tuesday night which set up the club’s 1-0 ACL win over Kawasaki Frontale, while he has four goals and two assists from 18 appearances in the Hyundai A-League this season.
His creativity and ability with both feet make the 29-year-old an enticing attacking option for van Marwijk against Norway and Colombia.
Josh Risdon
Risdon has emerged as probably the Caltex Socceroos’ first-choice option at right-back over the last few months.
The 25-year-old – who has five caps to his name – is a dependable player who can get forward and showed he’s up to international football during the playoff ties against both Syria and Honduras last year.
Has been one of the Wanderers’ best and most consistent this season, with three assists, 49 tackles and 45 clearances from 15 appearances in 2017/18.
