Our Socceroo hero

Former St Agnes Rooty Hill student and Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak

Former St Agnes Rooty Hill student and Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak is the nation’s hero after scoring three goals and securing Australia’s place in the 2018 World Cup.

Jedinak began playing when he was chosen to be part of the PDSSSC – a competition between Catholic schools within the Parramatta Diocesan – where he played for St Agnes Catholic High, the same school compatriot Željko Kalac attended.

He also played for Loyola Senior High School, Mount Druitt in the Jesuit Cup. As captain, Jedinak led the team to success, winning the competition.

Last night there were concerns about his stamina because he hadn’t played 90 minutes of football since June.

Coach Ange Postecoglou knew playing the skipper against Honduras would be a gamble but it paid off in awesome fashion.

Dogged by a groin injury for months, Jedinak had not featured for the Socceroos since June but his efforts last night were stunning.

The headline act was his stunning hat-tick in the 3-1 ANZ Stadium demolition that sealed Australia’s passage to a fourth-consecutive World Cup.

“It’s extra special,” Jedinak said.

“It was our duty as a nation of football players to get this job done.

“We set out on a task two and a half years ago ... and we stuck to our guns, we got here in the end.

“Now it’s time to enjoy this moment and look forward to what is going to be a big 2018.”

All three of Jedinak’s set piece goals came in the second half.

His 72nd minute penalty provoked a huge outpouring of emotion from the normally measured and mild-mannered leader, who ran 70 metres to celebrate in front the crowd.