From the Mudgee Guardian -  May 18th

Aaron Downes, a lad from Mudgee who played much of his junior soccer in the Mudgee/Gulgong competition, scored a goal on debut for Olyroos against Iran at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide Wednesday night.

The now Chesterfield (England) central defender, Downes scored just three minutes into his first game for the Olyroos as Australia wore down Iran for a 3-1 win, edging closer to qualification for the Beijing Olympics.

The 22 year-old netted with a glancing header at the near post from a Kristian Sarkies corner that beat a sea of bodies to give Australia a positive start.

The elevation of Downes to the Olyroos squad delivers another plus for Western soccer, the national side already boasting Nathan Burns from Blayney and Adrian Leijer (Dubbo).

Former President of Mudgee Soccer, Peter Mitchell, said he was delighted to hear the news of Aaron's successful debut with the Olyroos.

"I have known Aaron since he was about 13 and have seen him grow as a player and a person and have watched his progress in England with Chesterfield with great interest," Mitchell said.

"This is fantastic for Aaron to reach this level as a player.

"He has been a very dedicated player all his life and deserves the success he is now enjoying.

"At this point it should be realised that only one in 150,000 players make it to the top, which is just what Aaron has done.

"It is also wonderful for Mudgee soccer to see a player who has come through our junior ranks reach this high standard.

"It shows that players can come from towns like Mudgee and reach for the stars and succeed."