The Asian Champions are preparing for Thursday’s FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia™Qualifier against Bangladesh.
Monday’s session was held on the pristine surface at nib Stadium, the venue for the clash against the 170th-ranked AFC nation.
With a number of the squad still in transit or having just arrived from overseas, only 10 players took part in the predominantly light session.
The Socceroos who trained were Tim Cahill, Mark Milligan, Matt McKay, Matthew Spiranovic, Nathan Burns, Tarek Elrich, Ben Halloran, Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Luke Brattan.
After a warm-up, both Rogic and Brattan moved away from the main group to work on the side of the pitch with trainer Craig Duncan.
The pair did a light session for about 20 minutes, consisting mainly of jogging with and without the ball, juggling and a few other simple drills.
The rest of the squad immediately went into an intense session taken by assistant coach Ante Milicic.
The first drill saw them split into groups of four, playing a game of possession with 3 v 1.
“Don’t stop the ball. Keep it moving. Quicker,” was the instruction.
With coach Ange Postecoglou overseeing it all, the players then moved into a more structured drill, with the emphasis on crisp passing as they moved and passed around poles.
Good touches, ball speed and correct body-shape was the focus as the intensity lifted as the session took shape.
After just half an hour the session was over as the players assembled for a stretch down and drink before it was up the tunnel to the changerooms.
While it was a quick session to get the cobwebs out for the squad, things will pick up on Tuesday as the rest of the players join the squad.
Tuesday’s session is sure to be special as hundreds of supporters will be let into nib Stadium for a fan day, able to watch the session and afterwards meet their heroes.
Socceroo Match Details
Australia v Bangladesh Tajikistan v Australia
3 September 2015 8 September 2015
nib Stadium, Perth Republican Central Stadium, Dushanbe
7pm (AWT) kick off (9pm AEST)6pm kick off (10pm AEST)
TICKET INFORMATION (Australia v Bangladesh)
Tickets can be purchased for the match at www.socceroos.com.au/tickets
Ticket Prices – General Public
Category A – $120 all tickets
Category B – $80 Adult, $60 Concession, $40 Child, $199 Family
Category C – $55 Adult, $40 Concession, $30 Child, $140 Family
The Shed – $55 Adult, $40 Concession
Active Area- $65 Adult, $50 Concession
Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Transaction and credit card charges apply.
Concession (Pensioner, Student)
Pensioner Concession Card holders and Seniors Card holders (valid ID required)
Student – Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required)
Child – 4–16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat)
Family Definition – 2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children
National Companion Card Accepted