As we head into season 10 of the Hyundai A-League, we ask the question of players who starred in season 1 of the league: ‘Where are they now?’
Name: Andy Packer
Packer was an integral member of the “Bling” Sydney FC side in season one, which led brilliantly by superstar Dwight Yorke when the inaugural Hyundai A-League title.
Despite the Sky Blues’ success, Packer decided to leave the club after just one season, the lure of a return to his hometown Brisbane and the Roar was too good to pass up.
The versatile and consistent defender spent four seasons at the club, becoming a real fans favourite in his 67-game stint in the Orange shirt.
However, just before his 30th birthday, Packer made the surprise decision to hang up his boots.
He joined the Australian Defence Force after he was accepted into the Special Forces’ direct recruiting scheme.
While it was a shock to many he chose that change in career, Packer’s family has a history in the military.
His great-grandfather was a Rat of Tobruk who also served in Guinea, while his grandfather was in the Royal British Navy during World War II.
Now, after four years serving in the 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, Packer is back involved in football just in time for season 10 of the Hyundai A-League.
He is now putting all his football and military experience together in his new role as the strength and conditioning coach for the Newcastle Jets.
