If there’s one common thread between footballers it is this, we all rate ourselves in a number of different sports.

From ping pong to basketball, there’s nothing we can’t try our hand at and master in a short period of time.

It’s not that we can, just that we think we can. It’s a medical condition with medicine and everything.

Pre-seasons are long and arduous.  One of the challenges for the coaching staff at each club is to balance the scales of getting their playing group super fit, but also keeping them sharp in the mind as well.

One of the tactics used by most clubs is to introduce different sports into training. One of the more preferred options is soccer.

It’s impossible not to get swept up in the drama of this year’s world cup in Russia.  So much tension, so much at stake.

I’m a casual observer, nothing more than that, but it’s an undeniable spectacle.  I do adhere to the Gary Lineker quote though; “Football is a simple game for 22 people that run around, play the ball and in the end, the Germans always win.”

In a desperate and perhaps ill-advised attempt to connect the Bulldogs to the Russian World Cup, I have put together a team of past and present players that could challenge any of the world’s best nations.

Have I taken a long bow? Yes. Is there some racial stereotyping? Yes. Could we beat the serious, efficient Germans? No. 

Goalkeeper: Ilja Grgic. As the old saying goes (I think): “Sounds like a goalie, wore gloves like a goalie, is a goalie.”
Back-up goalkeeper: Luke Dahlhaus. If he wasn’t five-foot-three, he’d be before Grgic. But he is.

Defenders:

Sedat Sir: Every team needs a dour, no fuss defender with an intimidating name.
Rick “Klaus” Kennedy: If he can get away with his ‘robust style’ and avoid red cards, he’ll make life difficult for the opposition glamour boys.
Lindsay Gilbee: Free kick specialist.
Bob Murphy (C): To my eternal surprise, I was quite a dirty soccer player over 18 pre-seasons with the Bulldogs. 

Midfielders:

Nathan Eagleton: Left footer, Stan Lazaridis lookalike.
Jose’ Romero: Born in Chile, with the world game in his blood.
Brad Johnson: Runs, kicks and doesn’t handball. The holy trinity.
Tom Liberatore: Pedigree. 

Strikers:

Daniel Giansiracusa: Looks like Ronaldo, is Ronaldo. Diving in the penalty area his signature move.
Marcus Bontempelli: He’s good at everything else, so why not soccer? Also likes to dive in the penalty area. Hmmm.