Melbourne City young gun Riley McGree has had a brush with the big time and wants more.
The 19-year-old is just three seasons into his professional career and already has a CV to covet.
He was a fringe member of Adelaide United's title-winning squad, played in the Asian Champions League, won a move to Europe and represented Newcastle Jets in last year's A-League grand final.
The youth international is clearly a Socceroo in waiting, as shown by his call-up by Ange Postecoglou last year.
And of course, there's THAT goal.
McGree's flying scorpion kick helped the Jets defeat Melbourne City in last season's semi-final and won a Puskas Award nomination for best goal in the world.
He lost out to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, but enjoyed the slice of the high life the nomination served up.
"I went to London on FIFA's dime which was good, my girlfriend and I went business," he said with a smile.
"I walked the green carpet. And when we were seated I had (Zinedine) Zidane's head in front of me. I thought about kissing the back of his head," he laughed.
"(Real Madrid goalkeeper Thilbaut) Courtois was next to me. All the other players, the Salahs and the (Eden) Hazards a bit further ahead.
"It was a great experience but I didn't think I was going to win.
"These players, they're bigger players with bigger fans."
McGree said it left him dreaming big.
"It was a bit surreal, to see the people who you watch on TV and you admire, in person," he said.
"I want to keep grounded. And maybe be there one day for best player not best goal. That should be everyone's goal, right?"
McGree's open ambition means he's eyeing plenty more this season.
Having switched to City, the South Australian has set a goal target this season of eight, aiming to become an attacking threat from midfield.
He's declared himself available for Olyroos duty as Australia aim for a first Olympics since Beijing 2008.
The Asian Cup might come too soon for the uncapped talent, though Daniel Arzani's rise to the World Cup squad shows nothing is impossible.
Not putting the cart before the horse, McGree knows it all starts by knuckling down in the A-League with City, with a round one derby with Melbourne Victory looming.
"I'm confident this season. With the mindset and the players we've got, we can do well," he said.
"Our mindset is not to come into the top three or four and see how we go. It's to finish top and take it out."
