Defender Trent Sainsbury has become the sixth West Australian to make 50 appearances for Australia. The 29-year old brought up his half century during the Socceroos’ historic eighth-straight victory as they cruised into the third stage of 2022 World Cup qualifying with a 1-0 win over Jordan.

Seven years on from his international debut, an emotional Sainsbury reflected on his career and the hurdles he has overcome. “It’s a big milestone but I’m just happy for the boys and I’m happy to be part of the camp still,” Sainsbury said following the win over Jordan.

“I always go back to my first cap against Belgium, I think about how lucky I was to get one. To get 50, it’s a pretty big thing but I just love being part of this team, this family, with the boys. Just when I thought I was a good shout to go to the 2014 World Cup. I busted my knee open, I broke my kneecap, and I thought my career was finished.

“To get to 50, it means a lot and I’m grateful to be amongst it with the boys. Eight wins from eight, I can’t think of anything better. Let’s go on and get more so we can get bigger and better.” Sainsbury joins fellow West Australian’s Lisa De Vanna, Samantha Kerr, Lydia Williams, Collette McCallum, and Stan Lazaridis in Australia’s 50-game club.