Sydney FC could be about to find out what they missed out on when Wellington Phoenix come to town on Thursday night as young defender Jacob Tratt vows to make a statement at the expense of his former employers.

The towering centre-back spent three years with the Sky Blues, progressing from their youth squad to their senior team, but was never given the opportunity to make his A-League debut for his hometown club.

Jacob Tratt in action for Sydney United 58 FC last year. Credit:Getty Images

Top tier football appeared certain at one point for Tratt, who led Sydney to two National Youth League titles - including one as captain - but was told to look elsewhere at the end of last season if he was to gain first team football.

Tratt seized upon an unlikely offer from Wellington Phoenix after a brief stint in the National Premier League with Sydney United and the 22-year-old has gone on to become one of the only outfield players in the A-League to play every minute of this season thus far.