Much like they wrote off his brilliant volley at last year's FIFA World Cup as a fluke.
But the Socceroos talismam is concentrating on continuing to make an impact with the national team.
"I'm not going nowhere, mate," Cahill said after scoring both goals in Australia's 2-0 Asian Cup quarter-final victory against China on Thursday night.
The opening goal, a spectacular Cahill bicycle kick, instantly entered into Socceroos folklore.
"It's instinct. The World Cup (goal) was probably a fluke like people are saying, and that is probably a fluke again," he said with a hint of sarcasm.
The 35-year-old then sealed the Socceroos' win with another goal, a trademark header.
"As old as I am, I keep hearing the same story about when I'm going to depart ... after tonight, it will probably be a couple of weeks before they say it again," Cahill said.
Coach Ange Postecoglou suggested the best might yet be to come from his striker, the Socceroos' all-time leading scorer with 40 goals in 81 games.
"I don't need to add anything to Tim Cahill's career. It's spelt out pretty clearly for everybody ... the best may be ahead of him still," Postecoglou said.
But Cahill believed he was just a product of being "in an environment where you're valued as a footballer".
"And I still know I can change games," he said.
"I still know I can write my own script and at the same time affect football in a big way in Australia because I have never ever once not believed in the national team jersey."
The buoyant Socceroos travel to Newcastle later on Friday, the venue for their semi-final next Tuesday.
