Opinion

Against all odds, Mile Jedinak goes out on top

It was something of a surprise call when Mile Jedinak was appointed captain of the Socceroos in the lead-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Surprising, mostly, because he wasn’t even assured of his place in the starting side.

Jedinak

Mile Jedinak (C) celebrates a goal for the Socceroos at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Source: Getty Images

In essence, that’s the ballad of Jedinak. Always doubted. Right from when he was overlooked to be part of the A-League and had to work his way through the NSW State League. But seldom has a player ever rose to meet literally every challenge put before him.

He erased all concerns as a matter of course. Once given a chance in the A-League, he became one of the best players at the Central Coast Mariners. Same in Turkey, then in England. Given a chance for the national team, despite misgivings about his distribution, he excelled. Likewise when given the armband.

Amidst all that doubt, I cannot recall him complaining. Ever. He just worked and worked. He didn’t raise his voice much, but rarely did he need to. Every word – to the press, to his teammates – was carefully considered. In terms of leadership, he may be the best Socceroos captain since Johnny Warren.

Big call? Perhaps. Others have had more talent. Way more. But when you think about what Jedinak has done, and the way he has conducted himself, history will place him among the elite.
It is understandable that he has decided to retire now. Another Asian Cup was well within his grasp, but at 34, change had to happen eventually. He may have been gently urged out but I suspect there was too much respect from Graham Arnold to actively move him on.

Equally, Aston Villa – who have stuck by him – are struggling in 15th, and I can sense he knows that a month away in January, as the Championship kicks into overdrive, is too much to ask. The timing is probably right for all parties.

Perhaps the biggest feather in Jedinak’s cap is the way in which he grew into the leadership role. Battling Mark Milligan and Mark Bresciano for a starting midfield spot, Jedinak made it his business to be the one who couldn’t be dropped. The armband has never fitted a bicep quite so well.

He’ll be remembered as the steady, on-field hand across three World Cups – and we’ve only been to five. He was also the captain when we won the biggest title in the history of the national team, the 2015 Asian Cup.

When the team went through extraordinary tumult during qualifying for Russia 2018, his two performances against Honduras were probably the best 180 minutes he’s played for the country.

Everyone will remember the set-piece hat-trick in the second leg, but it’s the colossal figure he cut in the first leg that stands out for me. In the heat of San Pedro Sula, Jedinak brilliantly unpicked the home side’s attack and led fearlessly. The Socceroos haven’t always stood up in tricky conditions but he strong-armed the tie in Australia’s favour.

After announcing his decision to retire from the national team on Monday, a gaping void is left. His position in the team can be filled – Massimo Luongo and Jackson Irvine are in the box seat to do that – but it is the presence that cannot.
Some players make others better by playing the perfect pass or making the perfect tackle. On the field, Jedinak did it by taking the physical heat and organising others. His press conferences became rather stately affairs: honest, clear assessments that pulled no punches. He never side-stepped tough questions.

It would be pleasing if Jedinak takes part in one final international game against Kuwait. He’s earned the right to a farewell – alongside Tim Cahill – and the public will be keen to pay tribute after 79 caps. He was selected for the match, after all.

But I don’t expect him to be there. Right now, Jedinak will be less worried about the accolades and more worried about Villa’s form and what he can do to turn it around.

He’s that kind of character. It is, after all, what made him such a fine captain to begin with.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
4 min read
Published 2 October 2018 8:45am
By Sebastian Hassett

Share this with family and friends