90 seconds with Joe Hachem

He’s one of Australia’s biggest celebrities in the sporting hemisphere but he doesn’t play for the Socceroos, has never played in an Ashes series and isn’t likely to be lifting the Davis Cup anytime soon. Soccer International recently caught up with poker star Joe Hachem.

Are you a big football supporter?
I’m not a huge follower, but I’m a strong supporter of Melbourne Victory.

Do you have a favourite Australian player?
I do. He’s probably one of the most colourful players in Australia. Kevin Muscat. I know Kev well, and he’s a great player, has lots of heart and is just a colourful player. He’s a good all round bloke.

When did you last get out to a game?
The last game I watched was [Victory’s] 2005-06 win. Believe it or not, for the past two years every time that I want to go to a game I’m out of town on business. It’s retarded. I love what they’ve done with the soccer now. I think it has a real shot of growing in Australia.

Will you be watching the 2010 World Cup?
Yeah I’ll definitely watch it. I’m not one of those people that stays up all night; I’ll select a couple of games I really wanna watch, and most likely anything that Australia is in. I’ll watch and support the Aussies.

Matt Damon, who starred in the classic Poker flick Rounders, says he’s a big fan of yours. Have you ever met him?
Yeah, we’re actually pretty chummy. What you see is what you get - he’s just a guy.

Would Damon be the biggest celebrity you have on your mobile?
I don’t think there’s anybody bigger than him at the moment. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a variety of really A-class celebrities. I know Jason Alexander [George from Seinfeld], Don Cheadle, Pete Sampras—some really interesting people who’ve done great stuff in their own careers.

If you were a footballer, what position would you play?
I’m a defender. I always have been. I’m tenacious; I won’t let anybody get past me, even if it’s gonna kill me, I won’t let you past me.

Is that the same in poker?
I play defensively. In a way, I attack through defence. And if you’re a great defender, then you’re much safer than being just a great attacker.