A historic moment in South Australian football took place on Tuesday night in Melbourne, as for the first time ever, five South Australians were in the Starting XI for the Subway Socceroos as they took on FIFA 46th ranked nation, Ecuador.
As reported by Australian Football statistician Andrew Howe, Brandon Borello, Joe Gauci, Craig Goodwin and Riley McGree made up the four SA-born players that formed the starting lineup. Thomas Deng, who wasn't born in South Australia though moved to Adelaide at the tender age of 6 and played in the state growing up, takes the tally to 5 South Australian players who started the encounter at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.
Despite the 2-1 defeat, the night is a landmark moment for South Australian football.
Further to this, an additional three South Australians were named on the bench, with Awer Mabil, Ryan Strain and Nestory Irankunda bringing the total number in the matchday squad to 8 players; a whopping one-third of the squad!
Joe Gauci's start meant that the South Australian, who has previously represented football at the grassroots level through the Football SA NTC program, and with clubs including Cumberland United, West Torrens Birkalla, and Adelaide City, achieved his first Socceroos' Cap, with the international debut making him the 631st player to represent Australia.
Football South Australia CEO Michael Carter was pleased at the level of South Australian representation seen by an international audience:
"It is a great sight to see so many South Australians on the national stage and we congratulate all eight South Australians that were in the squad on Tuesday. The FSA Program has been a consistent product over the years with high quality coaching which has helped produce some exceptional players. We give credit and thanks to those coaches who have worked in the program and to those who have worked with these players and in the wider community."
Football South Australia Technical Director, Michael Cooper said he hopes this milestone encourages more players to enter the game.
"I hope this [last night] inspires many more South Australian-born players, both male and female, to dream big and train, play with passion and joy on a regular basis."