Jason Davidson is a player that has experienced what every Australian footballer dreams of – playing in a World Cup and winning the Asian Cup.
Despite having achieved so much at just 27 years of age, however, the defender is determined to create ‘more memories’ as he eyes a Socceroos recall after signing a one-year-deal with Perth Glory.
“I’ve made it public that one of my big targets this season is to get back into the Socceroos,” he said.
“I’m fortunate enough to be a player that’s represented their country and I know what it takes to get into the national team. That’s why I’m working hard on and off the pitch and paying attention to each and every detail, as the boss always says.”
With 22 caps to his name, the former West Brom man did his Socceroos prospects no harm at all in his A-League debut last weekend, with his athleticism and pace down the left flank earning him a place in the Team of the Week.
“Firstly, I was just happy to make my debut for the club in front of all the fans,” he reflected. “Playing back in Australia, having family and friends being able to watch me regularly is great.
“I really enjoyed the game, result aside. I think the first half, in particular, we played some great football playing out from the back. I was fortunate enough to find some space on the left, which really opened up for me.
“It was a positive start for the team and myself. It was four months of hard work leading up to that game and this season, so it’s always nice to have people talk positively about your individual performance.”
Following his standout opening-round display, Davidson has been thrown into the Socceroos selection conversation yet again.
Having played on the biggest stage football has to offer in the 2014 Brazil World Cup and tasting success in the historic 2015 Asian Cup campaign, the Victorian is hungry for more after a frustrating past two years.
“I was very fortunate to be a part of the 2014 World Cup with Ange Postecoglou involving a new set of players for the tournament. It was an unbelievable experience that every kid dreams of.
“To be a part of that Asian Cup-winning side was something special as well. You can’t beat winning a major trophy in front of the home fans, family and friends.
“I think the last two years have been hard for me because I haven’t found that consistency in my football to get another call-up, but that’s up to myself and I’m doing everything I can to get back those heights and enjoy more special moments.”
It’s fair to say Davidson has enjoyed his fair share of special moments in the green and gold, something he certainly doesn’t take for granted.
And two games, in particular, stand out for the left-back.
“When the national anthem plays in any international game that I’ve played in, I get goosebumps,” he revealed. “It’s hard to put into words because you have so many different emotions going through your head.
“That first game of the World Cup against Chile was surreal. I remember walking out and hearing Chile’s national anthem and thinking where am I? It was so loud, it was deafening. Then there’s the Asian Cup Final, lining up and seeing the stadium full of Aussie supporters and bringing them so much joy was priceless.
“Every time I see clips of that Chile game on TV or friends show me a video of it, I look back and remember that feeling of what it was like to be there in that moment. I remember seeing my family in the stands, having a look at my parents and my wife and seeing their emotions was indescribable. I want that feeling again.”
Not that Davidson is allowing the Socceroos talk to distract from the job in hand.
“My target first and foremost is to play well for this club, no question,” he said.
“We as a team want to accomplish a lot and that continues this weekend against Victory.”
The Round 2 fixture on Sunday at AAMI Park is a particularly special occasion for the Melburnian, as, remarkably, it will mark his first professional game in his hometown.
“On a personal level, it’s going to be amazing to finally play in Melbourne in front of so many friends and family,” he said.
“From the team’s perspective, we’ve got a strong foundation after the opening game and I think we need to go into the fixture against the reigning champs with confidence.”
Davidson will be taking inspiration into the match-up from his father, Alan Davidson, who made 79 appearances for the Socceroos between 1980 and 1991.
“My father always said that everyone has two arms and two legs,” he said, “so if you have that mentality, you go into each contest and win your battles no matter who you’re up against.
“I’ve played against [Keisuke] Honda before when coming up against Japan, so I can’t wait for this weekend.”
#OneGlory
