Socceroos Star Secures Major A-League Endorsement Through Heartfelt FaceTime with Dad

Jackson Irvine may be captaining St Pauli in the German Bundesliga from the opposite side of the globe, but the Subway Socceroos star remains a keen observer of the Isuzu UTE A-League.

Having begun his journey as a youth player with Melbourne Victory, Irvine has built an impressive career overseas, featuring for clubs such as Hull City, Hibernian, and the renowned St Pauli, while also earning 72 international caps along the way.

The 32-year-old is currently in Sydney ahead of Australia’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifier against Indonesia on Thursday.

In Tony Popovic’s latest Socceroos selection, there are 10 A-League players, including newcomers Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City), and Alex Grant (Sydney FC). Notably, 21 of the 26-member squad has emerged through the domestic league.

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“I tune into the A-League quite a bit, to be honest,” Irvine shared with journalists. “Especially on weekend mornings before I have my own games.”

“Sometimes I FaceTime my dad so we can watch a match together while having breakfast. It’s a lovely tradition we have.”

“There are numerous players performing at an exceptionally high standard, which is commendable. That’s consistent across both Australia and Europe. It’s inspiring to see so many Australian talents, at home and overseas, performing at the elite level and vying for a spot in this squad.”

“However, the reality is that only 23 or 26 players will ultimately be selected, and that’s football for you. Patience is essential for many. You must be ready to seize opportunities when they arise.”

“Personally, after my initial call-up, it took me around two and a half years to receive a second one. That’s just how football works—there’s no guarantee, and you need to earn every bit of it.”

When asked about Victory’s standout Teague and A-League graduate Nectar Triantis, now making waves with Hibs in Scotland, Irvine remarked: “Both have been outstanding this season.”

“I’ve been genuinely impressed by both. I’ve watched them play extensively this year; they both display tremendous talent and confidence in controlling the midfield. It’s fantastic to see.”

“For me, my role is to provide that layer of experience and to grasp nuances of the game that develop over time—elements that those younger players may already be mastering in ways I can’t teach. It’s more about comprehending your role and the management aspects that come into play.”

“I’m really looking forward to sharing the pitch with them.”