In June 2016, 23-year-old Jason Geria earned his first Socceroos cap, and there was a belief Australia had found a reliable defender for years to come. However, it took eight long years for Geria, the Melbourne Victory right-back, to earn his second cap. During that time, he has established himself as one of the best defenders in the A-League Men. Amid crucial qualifiers on the road to the 2026 World Cup, Geria is now seemingly one of head coach Tony Popovic's most trusted squad members.
Geria celebrates with the North Terrace following Victory's Melbourne Derby win in Round 2. (Image: Harley Appezzato)
Jason Geria has emerged as arguably the A-League Men's best defender across the past 18 months. Under Tony Popovic’s leadership at Melbourne Victory, Geria was crucial in their journey to a Grand Final. The 31-year-old finished last season with an impressive 72% tackle success rate and won 60% of his duels while being dribbled past only 18 times throughout the entire campaign. His defensive attributes ensured Victory were secure behind the ball when they ventured forward.
Last season, when Victory had possession, Geria usually tucked in beside his centre-backs when the ball was on the left side of the pitch. This strategy assisted in forming a 3-2 build-up shape, which Popovic favoured during his tenure at the club. That said, Geria's underrated technical ability allowed for a more fluid build-up, and he would also occasionally venture forward to link up with attackers Daniel Arzani and Zinedine Machach down the right flank.
Under new head coach Patrick Kisnorbo this season, Geria pushes forward less frequently due to a slight tactical shift. Kisnorbo has opted for a 3-4-3 formation in the build-up phase, utilising left-back Kasey Bos in a more advanced role down the left-hand side.
On Saturday, Geria capped off another outstanding performance by scoring his first goal of the season—a powerful, uncontested header that sealed a 2-0 victory over Brisbane Roar. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments adds significant value to his already impressive skill set.
When asked post-match about Geria’s recent form, Kisnorbo suggested that his recent selection for the Socceroos has contributed to his confidence at the start of this season.
“I think Jason did well,” Kisnorbo said.
“I think Jason has kept improving; he's been great, and I think that's through confidence from playing for the national team, to be perfectly honest with you.
“He has shown that he can compete at any level. When I speak to him, he understands that he needs to keep going if he wants to be a top, top player. He's a great person, always willing to learn, very humble, very coachable, and we're very fortunate to have him at this club.”
Geria's consistent performances demonstrate that he should be regarded as the best defender in the A-League Men by both pundits and fans. The eye test for someone undoubtedly at the top of his game backs this claim up. There are some solid numbers across Victory's opening four games, too, including almost 60% of total duels won, 1.5 interceptions, 1.3 balls recovered, and four clearances per game. Geria's technical prowess is underlined by an 80% passing accuracy, with this metric at an impressive 77% in the opposition half.
It was a significant injustice that the national team overlooked Geria for so long, especially when the right-back position has seen a revolving door of subpar options who have failed to secure a regular spot for themselves. With a coach at the helm of the Socceroos who has extensive experience working with Geria, the 31-year-old finally has the consistent opportunity he has deserved for many years.
Standing six feet tall, Geria is a slightly taller full-back, which provides coaches with flexibility in his positioning. Throughout his time at Melbourne Victory, he has mainly played as a traditional full-back, excelling at making overlapping runs down the wing and delivering crosses into the box while being defensively strong in one-on-one situations against opposing wingers. Popovic has chosen to utilise Geria as a right-sided centre-back in a back three for the national team, allowing him to contribute to the build-up play in possession.
Geria is an ideal player for Popovic in the upcoming international window. Against strong opposition like Saudi Arabia, Popovic will likely prioritise defensive solidity and aim for a more transitional game, capitalising on counter-attacking moments to secure three points. Although Geria's role in a back three is relatively new in his skill set, it showcases his willingness to adapt to the team's needs for success. In the second fixture of the international window, the Socceroos will face Bahrain for the first time since their unexpected loss on the Gold Coast. In a match where Popovic will want to take the initiative, Geria’s underrated technical ability could be a vital asset to breaking down a deep defensive block, as Australia is likely to control possession.
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Geria impressed on his return to the Socceroos in matches against China and Japan last month. (Image: Brock Pearson Photography)
Despite being on the supposed 'wrong side' of 30, Geria has not shown any signs of physical decline. He still possesses high-quality technical skills and enough speed to cover ground and handle any pacy attackers that challenge him.
Beyond being crucial right now for the Socceroos, there is every reason to believe that Geria's impressive recent peak could culminate in a 2026 World Cup appearance.
Statistics sourced from Sofascore.
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