There were 10 players who were handed their maiden Subway Socceroos caps in 2023, joining the exclusive club shared by over 600 people since the first Australia ‘A’ match in 1922.
This year was somewhat of a transitional year with a focus on providing opportunities to younger players following the retirements of Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Danny Vukovic.
Here is a breakdown of the 10 players that were bestowed their inaugural Socceroos cap in 2023.
Aiden O'Neill - cap #629 vs Ecuador on 24 March
Aiden O'Neill showed no signs of nerves in his first appearance in Green and Gold. The holding midfielder produced an assured display in the centre of the pitch at CommBank Stadium against Ecuador, demonstrating maturity and calmness beyond his years and as if he had played senior international football before.
Alex Robertson - cap #630 vs Ecuador on 24 March
Eligible to represent England, Scotland, Peru and Australia, Alex Robertson pledged his allegiance with the Subway Socceroos. The highly-rated midfielder, boasting immense technical ability, made is senior debut for the Green and Gold in the 62nd minute and in doing so became the first third-generation Socceroo after his dad Mark Robertson and grandfather Alexander Robertson. Robertson was 19 at the time and his huge potential was palpable to all watching.
Joe Gauci - cap #631 vs Ecuador on 28 March
Regarded as one of the country's most promising goalkeepers, Joe Gauci was handed his debut for the second match against Ecuador at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium. The then 22-year-old impressed on his maiden start, producing seven saves despite the Aussies falling 2-1 in a tempestuous affair.
Jordan Bos - cap #632 vs Ecuador on 28 March
Hometown hero Jordan Bos was rewarded for his stellar club form with Melbourne City. The then 20-year-old left-back replaced fellow Melburnian Aziz Behich on 54 minutes and is one of the brightest prospects to have emerged from the Isuzu UTE A-League which subsequently earned a move to Belgian Pro League club Westerlo.
Cameron Burgess - cap #633 vs Mexico on 9 September
On the radar of Graham Arnold for some time, centre-back Cameron Burgess earned his first call up for September's friendly against Mexico at the Dallas Cowboy's AT&T Stadium. The Ipswich Town defender played the full 90 minutes and has been a mainstay in the side since his debut.
Sam Silvera - cap #634 vs Mexico on 9 September
Having enjoyed a standout season with the Central Coast Mariners which culminated in a transfer to English Championship side Middlesbrough, Sam Silvera featured for the Socceroos as a second-half substitute against El Tri. Boasting speed and dynamism, Silvera was introduced in the 74th minute.
Lewis Miller - cap #635 vs England on 13 October
After a string of consistent performances for Scottish outfit Hibernian, Lewis Miller was rewarded with his inaugural senior call-up in October. It was a dream come true for the 23-year-old as he made debut at the iconic Wembley Stadium against the old foes England. Miller was brought on for Ryan Strain for the final 16 minutes in the narrow 1-0 defeat to the Three Lions.
Mohamed Toure - cap #636 vs England on 13 October
Initially called up to the squad as a train-on for the October camp, skilful forward Mohamed Toure would make a brief cameo appearance against England to become cap number 636. The 19-year-old, who currently plies his trade in Ligue 2 at Paris FC on loan from top division outfit Reims, is another player to have emerged from Adelaide United's talented production line in recent years and is certainly one for the future.
Alessandro Circati - cap #637 vs New Zealand on 17 October
Having been first called up to the senior side for June's friendly against Argentina in China, highly-regarded defender Alessandro Circati was given his chance to impress against New Zealand. The 20-year-old delivered a flawless display and cut a composed figure alongside Harry Souttar as Australia claimed the rediscovered Soccer Ashes following a comfortable 2-0 victory in Brentford. He even was named the Subway Player of The Match by fans.
Kusini Yengi - cap #638 vs Bangladesh on 16 November
Kusini Yengi made his debut in Australia's 7-0 demolition of Bangladesh to begin its FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifying campaign. An imposing striker, capable of playing on the wing, the 24-year-old was substituted into the contest at AAMI Park on 72 minutes and almost marked his first appearance with a goal.