Position: Midfielder
Born: 05.10.79
Club: Parma

A hard-working destroyer who performs much of the dirty work in the Australian midfield, Vince Grella has followed a similar career path to Mark Bresciano, leaving Carlton for Italy.

Having made his name in Europe with Empoli, Grella was reunited with Bresciano at Parma, for whom he played a key role in their fine UEFA Cup run in 2004/05.

Now 26, Grella has been an international regular since making his debut in the 3-1 friendly victory against England in February 2003 and played in eight of the Socceroos' qualifiers plus both legs of the play-off against Uruguay.

The man who allows Tim Cahill to get forward and cause chaos in opposition penalty areas, Grella may not win as many headlines as his more esteemed colleagues but his job is just as - if not more - important to the Socceroos.