Trewin: I can't really put into words what it means to be called up

Taryn Heddo 1742176820,1742190076

Melbourne City defender Kai Trewin said that he was "very, very happy" after receiving his maiden Subway Socceroos call-up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifiers against Indonesia and China.

It is the first time that the 23-year-old has received a call-up for the senior national team.

The centre-back has been selected on the back of consistent form for club side Melbourne City. He spoke to the media about his emotions after his selection, his expectations for the camp, and the advice he has received from his teammates so far.

Receiving the news of selection

It was on Thursday morning, actually at 8.30 I got the message from Joel [Team Manager]. And, yeah, very, very happy.

It was a great feeling. I can't really put it into words, to be honest.

I didn't really know I had much of a shot until after that game on Wednesday. A few of the coaches from City said: 'When do you find out about the team?' Then I thought, maybe I'm in with a shot.

Early days in camp, and replicating the success of Hayden Matthews

It's been really good to come in and meet a few of the lads, and obviously meet the coaching staff and the rest of staff as well. There are a lot of people here that are pushing for the same goal. I'm really enjoying it at the moment.

Hayden was playing really well before he sort of got his call-up, and then once he came into the team, he did really well. Looking at players like him and trying to follow his footsteps, and how he was integrated into the team - I'll try and replicate that.

Outside expectations, and taking on Indonesia

I think it comes with being a Socceroo really, the expectation of winning all your games and playing well. This is the biggest step for football in Australia, and I think that the expectation just comes with that.

They'll [Indonesia] be a great team, obviously. I'll just focus on trying to contribute as best as I can to the team, and however that is, I'll just give it my best and try and help.

Having Aziz Behich as a mentor

I'm lucky I get to train with a guy like him every day. He has almost 80 caps for the Socceroos now. So he gave me the heads-up on a few things coming into camp. I've been very lucky that I've been able to play and train alongside him for a while now [at Melbourne City].

He just says be yourself and be confident. When I come to training and am around the other players, just be yourself. I'll definitely try and do that.

Markers for personal success

Just integrating into the team properly, putting my best foot forward in training, and if I do get a chance to get on the pitch, just giving everything and helping the team to get a good result on Thursday.

I feel like I can step up to the plate. I have a lot of confidence in my own ability, and under pressure, I feel like I will definitely be fine.

MATCH DETAILS

Subway Socceroos v Indonesia
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: Available via Ticketek
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+

China PR v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 25 March 2025
Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 10.00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Paramount+