IN DEFENCE OF DEFENDERS

Ten years ago, Australia could field a first team of defenders.

Nowadays, we have a first team made entirely of attacking minded midfielders.

Recently, Brisbane Roar RAW released Australia's last remaining veteran defender. Moore is no more. Moore has been linked with a fucking rubbish mediocre Scottish side, citing differences with coach Ange Postecoglou. With a young and relatively inexperienced defensive unit travelling to Kuwait City, TBT are left wondering if Australia's traditional strength has now become it's biggest weakness. A familiar back four of Chipperfield, Vidmar, Moore and Lazardis now seems a world away. That match against Uruguay was over four years ago.

Australia's defensive line-up for that fateful evening in Sydney were as old as the Golden Girls and had the first touch of Herman Munster. We loved them, but their time had come and we needed a change. In the coming years, Lucas Neil made the transition to Centre Back and slowly but surely Australia became less reliant on Vidmar, Lazaridis and Moore, even giving Emerton the freedom to push up the field into a more natural Winger position.

It's been four years since that fateful evening in Sydney - so let's take a look at who can fill the defensive gaps for Australia in the next few years.


1. Adrian Leijer (Melbourne Victory, Australia)
Leijer's form since returning to Australia has been a mixed bag - but Leijer has experience and youth on his side, not to mention the vocal support of his club captain and countryman.

2. Simon Colosimo (Sydney FC, Australia)
Colosimo has the experience at club level and for Australia, and is more than capable of playing in a Defensive Midfielder position. Since accepting captaincy of his club, Colosimo has shown a maturity that could prove valuable, especially when marshaling younger Australian-based players in Asia Cup matches.

3. Matthew Spiranovic (FC Nuremberg, Germany)
He's twelve years old, 6 ft 4 fucking massive and talented. Lock it in.

4. Matthew Kemp (Melbourne Victory, Australia)
We at TBT have never been huge fans of the Bald Assassin, but Kemp shows something few other Australian defenders do: BALLS. Big Fucken Hairy Ones. Kemp puts his body on the line week in week out for his club, rightfully earning him a call up to the national squad.

5. Taribo West (Free Agent)
Apparently so free he now lends his name to Portuguese tv ads featuring hookers

Contains at least 79% Football, 29% Truth