For the first time since it was rebuilt, the Sydney Football Stadium will play host to the Subway Socceroos on 20 March 2025, and Anthony Caceres is eagerly anticipating the all-important FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ Third Round Asian Qualifier against Indonesia.
READ: How to access pre-sale tickets for Australia v Indonesia in Sydney
Caceres, who earned his first Australia cap in November against Saudi Arabia, knows the Sydney Football Stadium as well as anyone, having played there countless times domestically.
The Sydney FC midfielder, who became cap #647 in Melbourne, is relishing the prospect of playing in a city and a stadium that’s so close to his heart.
Here’s what the 32-year-old said when we spoke to him after the announcement.
On his earliest memories of growing up and starting his football journey in Sydney
My earliest memories of football would be, firstly, kicking the ball around in the backyard with my old man, that's where it all started. Then I joined the local side, Prairiewood United, at a very young age, I believe four or five. And I remember very clearly going to the field on a weekend - a lot of teams were playing - and it was a great atmosphere for a kid to enjoy the game and dream of what could be.
On any memories of going to watch the Socceroos in Sydney as a kid
I remember a few games. Obviously, the qualifiers against Uruguay stand out. And also the appearance at the Confederations Cup in 2001, where Australia finished third - that is probably one of the clearer early memories of the Socceroos given a great performance at the tournament.
On how excited he’s feeling at at the prospect of representing the Socceroos in Sydney
It's always exciting to play for the Socceroos no matter where you play. I had a taste of it, obviously, in Melbourne, in front of a home crowd. My family made the trip down, which was very special. But I think the idea of playing in Sydney at the SFS [Sydney Football Stadium], a ground that I'm obviously very familiar with, will be an amazing feeling, given I'm familiar with the surroundings, the crowd and the support that is at that ground is very special.
On if there will be even more motivation playing in his hometown
Definitely. Motivation will be through the roof. And obviously the desire, more than anything, to put on a good performance, a good show, and give the people what they deserve given the amount of support that they provide.
On what to expect from the Sydney Football Stadium atmosphere
It's my favourite venue to play football at. The crowd there is amazing. The acoustics of the stadium really amplify the atmosphere. And it really drives you to perform at your best. It gives you an extra bit of energy when you need it, and that gets you over the line and helps you put in a performance worthy of the Socceroos. So, I think it's a fantastic venue to play football at. And hopefully the performance warrants a good crowd and an enjoyable experience.
On how special it would be to share the experience with Sydney FC teammates
For sure. I've been through a lot with those guys. When you put on the jersey, it brings everyone together, even the boys that you haven't spent too much time with, I met them in the previous camp. Once you're on the field, you really become one, and that's what the shirt does to the team. It's extremely special. And the fact that I get to share these moments with teammates that I've played with for so long is amazing.
On being reunited with lifelong friend Maty Ryan in the Socceroos set-up
It's crazy when you think about it, how quick time goes and how far we've come. Obviously, Maty's been in the picture for a long time. I think we all knew that he would be where he is. I never doubted that - given his ability and his mindset - he wouldn't achieve what he has achieved. For myself, it was always a day by day thing. And, thankfully, now I've ended up in this position where I'm able to share such experiences with Maty. Obviously, we still have a great friendship that started back in high school. And the fact that we can share the field now is a great reminder of everything we've been through together - I really value him as a teammate and as a friend. It's just an amazing feeling.
On how many family and friends will be in attendance in Sydney
There will be a long list of family and friends wanting to get tickets. Hopefully I get my hands on enough for all of them, but there's going to be a queue!
On what it means to inspire the next generation of players in Sydney
To inspire the next generation, it sums up what we do. I was fortunate enough to grow up watching some fantastic footballers put on the Socceroos jersey. And every time you step onto the field, whether it be for the Socceroos or your club, you want to set an example. One thing I've learned to appreciate as I got older is the example and the influence that you can have on others, not just the next generation, but current footballers.
I drew inspiration from Brattsy [Luke Brattan] being called up to Socceroos - that fueled my hunger to continue to want to strive for this achievement, to get into the team, and it's come. Now it's my duty to put on a good show, conduct myself properly, and set an example for future footballers and also current ones who still have things they want to achieve.
On what he loves most about Sydney
What I love most about Sydney is the simple fact that it's home. My family are here, my wife grew up here, my girls are growing up here. So, I’m very attached to Sydney, particularly where I live. If I go for a drive and happen to drive past an old football field that I used to play at, it floods me with memories. And I see familiar faces at the shops and stuff like that. So it's little things that I really appreciate.
Subway Socceroos v Indonesia
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $16 Child, $19 Concession, $29 Adult, and $89 Family. Tickets from Ticketek.
Football Account Pre-Sale: 10.00am AEDT on Thursday, 12 December 2024. READ: How to access pre-sale tickets for Australia v Indonesia in Sydney
General Public On-Sale: 4.00pm AEDT Friday, 13 December 2024.