Golden Boot frontrunner delivers message to Socceroos following call-up exclusion

Western United forward Noah Botic recently sent a clear message to Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic as he celebrated his latest goal in what has been a remarkable season for the young striker.

Despite his impressive form, Botic did not make the cut for Popovic’s 26-man squad for the vital 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China scheduled for later this month.

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The 23-year-old marked his 11th goal of the season in a match against Newcastle Jets on Sunday afternoon, only two days after the announcement of the Socceroos squad, which included several A-League talents but notably excluded the league’s current top scorer.

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As he revelled in his goal at McDonald Jones Stadium, Botic made a gesture simulating a phone call, shrugging his shoulders before placing his hand over his ear again.

The in-form striker is having a breakout year in the Isuzu UTE A-League and appears keen to showcase his skills to the Socceroos head coach, with hopes of continuing his impressive goal-scoring run.