Caltex Socceroos in J-League action

Oliver Bozanic, a recent signing from Melbourne Victory, started for Ventforet overnight while Mitch Duke was a late sub for his J-League club, with both Australians having mixed results.

Bozanic in decent form at Ventforet Kofu

Bozanic has been in decent form this season and started a vital game for Ventforet at the weekend. 

A win would have taken the traditional strugglers into the top half of the table but instead they lost at home to Albirex Niigata 2-0, the Swans' first victory of 2017.

The 2014 World Cup Socceroo was busy in the middle but made way with 14 minutes remaining for a striker as the hosts chased what the game but it was not to be. 

Former Victory star Oliver Bozanic's Ventforet Kofu had a win in the J-League.

Bozanic, a former Mariner, also picked up a yellow card in the loss. 

If Ventforet is not careful then another relegation struggle awaits.

Duke off the bench at Shimizu S-Pulse

Shimizu is synonymous with Japanese football even if the team is not exactly a powerhouse. 

The J.League felt strange last season as it was the first that went ahead without the Shizuoka side, which had been relegated the previous season.

Duke, who represented Australia in 2013, is now starting a third full season in Japan with Shimizu after missing much of 2016 due to a serious injury. 

Mitch Duke's Shimizu S-Pulse suffered defeat in the J-League Cup overnight.

The return to the top flight has been solid so far with seven played, three won, three lost and the solitary tie. 

That came on Sunday as the visit of Omiya Ardija ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Australian, and like Bozanic a former Central Coast Mariner, was introduced with ten minutes left with the hosts a goal down and thrown forward to help in the search for the equaliser. 

He was busy and energetic and his presence helped with the equalising goal coming with just three minutes remaining thanks to Ryohei Shirasaki.

Socceroos v Saudi Arabia.