A player who embodied leadership, dedication and coolness under pressure, you could argue that he finished his career as not only a star footballer, but one of his country’s most trusted people.

In the big games – the type of games that transcended the sport and touched all of Australian society – Jedinak was the man to be relied upon, and he rarely failed to deliver.

In acknowledgement of his retirement, announced earlier this week, the-AFC.com celebrates the superb career of a humble giant of the Australian game.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2018 edition's best goalkeeper, and now it's time to turn our attention to defenders.

So, here are the 14 players in contention for the four places in the backline. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

Owairan's superb effort was picked as the best from a list of 20 goals the-AFC.com shortlisted in polls which were conducted over the last three weeks.

From a delightful tournament-winning strike in Qarshi to impudent efforts in Al-Ram, Arbil, Dhaka and Cibinong, our latest edition of the '5 of the Best' really does cover the length and breadth of the Continent. So enjoy the selection and don't forget to vote for your favourite in the poll below!

Also take a look at past editions that feature acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners and curlers.

Milicic was appointed to the role of head coach of the Matildas in February 2019, and over the past 18 months oversaw Australia’s successful qualification for the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and helped Australia reach the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.

Milicic signed on to become the inaugural head coach of Macarthur FC in May 2019 prior to last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, and while he was due to complete his time with the Matildas at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the rescheduling of the Games to 2021 due to the unprecedented, global COVID-19 pandemic has regrettably forced a decision on Milicic’s coaching future to be made.

It’s more than five years since Australia won their first AFC Asian Cup title, but the man who guided the Socceroos to their inaugural continental crown has yet to take the time to sit back and watch his side’s victory over Korea Republic in the final.

In the 64-year history of the tournament, only 16 men have won the AFC Asian Cup as a head coach, with countless other talented tacticians trying, and failing, to get their hands on Asian football’s greatest prize.