Victoria’s own Jackson Irvine spent valuable time in Melbourne with family and friends to recharge following a whirlwind year ahead of the Socceroos' upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.
2024 has been a year to remember for the Ringwood City FC junior, claiming the Championship and promotion to the Bundesliga with St. Pauli FC. In May, he also tied the knot with his partner, Jemilla Pir.
In a Socceroos press conference, Irvine said he was doing “really well” despite his action-packed calendar as of late.
“The last couple of months have been really busy, but I have loved it. It has been absolute chaos, but in the best way possible,” he said.
“I kept myself moving while I was in Melbourne, but I came into camp a few days earlier than before the window to try and get moving before the games to make sure I am in the best possible condition for the game against Bangladesh.
“Every opportunity to play, not just for your national team but all of these games, is important. They all have a bearing on the team, and it is important we are in the best condition possible as individuals and, of course, as a group.
“I think I had my first two good nights' sleep since I came into camp; it has been a bit of a relief.
“Everything good in your life happening at once—a promotion, a wedding, a championship, and then a visit back to Melbourne to see my family and celebrate with them, and now I am back with the boys in camp.”
Irvine told reporters he hadn’t thought too far ahead, and instead has spent the time reveling in his achievements with family and friends.
“It’s been hard to think about next season; I have been so busy enjoying and embracing the moment that’s been the promotion and championship and celebrating the season we have had and, of course, everything else that has happened in my personal life as well,” he said.
“I think when the Bundesliga fixtures get released, you start to feel a bit more real about what we are going to be up against next season, but to be honest, it has been hard to move past the celebrations and really enjoy the achievements of this year.”
In preparation for Thursday's Bangladesh tie, Irvine notes how the squad has entered training with an extra spring to their step.
The current Socceroos squad boasts six players who achieved promotion, five who secured silverware, and a number of new selections vying for an opportunity in the international arena.
“It’s just an unbelievably exciting environment (in camp),” he explained.
“Everyone is in just a great phase of football at the moment, so there is obviously a lot to talk about, a lot to reflect on together, and bring that atmosphere together.
“I see it more and more when newer players come in and how quickly they adapt to the atmosphere and the culture of the group.
“It still surprises me how quickly players can adapt in this setup; it is great to see because I think that is a reflection of the type of people, more so than the players, we have on this team.”
With Socceroos captain Matthew Ryan missing the two-match qualification series, Irvine, along with fellow Victorians Aziz Behich and Matthew Leckie, will be three of the most experienced players in the squad, and the responsibility hasn’t been lost on the St. Pauli captain.
“Having Lecks (Matthew Leckie) and Aziz (Aziz Behich) here as well gives us another big boost of experience in guys who know the team, know the environment, and understand these games in particular because we have a lot of new faces and guys who haven’t played a lot of football in this atmosphere,” he explained.
“Being without Matty (Matthew Ryan) does leave a big hole in regard to leadership and experience, but that is up to us to stand up and fill."