What did you expect when you first signed for the Victory?
I was trying to resurrect my career - I hadn't had a good second season at Brisbane and things went a bit pear-shaped. I'm disappointed with what I was like back then but I was young and immature and young people make mistakes. I was just looking forward to coming down here and playing with the likes of Muscat and Thompson. I'm really thankful to Melbourne for giving me a chance.

Did you see the move turning out as well as it did?
I'm not cocky, but I've always believed in my ability and always thought I could eventually make something of myself. I've got a long way to go - I've proved nothing yet. I'm still young so I'll keep working on my goals, keep playing well and doing my part for the Victory.

What was going through your mind against Brisbane Roar when you kissed the Melbourne Victory badge in front of the fans?
I wish I never did it. I had a good first season in Brisbane, things did go awry towards the end but that had nothing to do with the fans. I apologise if I offended any of the fans at Brisbane because they all supported me so much. I can't change what has happened, hopefully we can move on and I can forget about that part of my life in Brisbane and just focus on my career down here in Melbourne.

In the first game you played against Brisbane after signing for Melbourne there seemed to be a bounty placed on your head. Is there a story behind that?
There's always a lot of feeling when playing against your old team. I heard there were a few text messages or something, that had nothing to do with what happened at all really. Danny Tiatto and the rest of the boys are huge competitors. I respect them for it. I've moved on. It didn't bother me as what happens on the field stays on the field.

When you first signed for Melbourne, did Kevin Muscat rough you around for being the new boy from a rival club?
When I came to Melbourne I was a bit intimidated. Kevin Muscat is a big name and an intimidating person. As long as you're doing the work and putting in the hard yards you'll find out he's a wonderful person and a mentor for all the young players. I worked hard and knuckled down at training. I've done that to the best of my ability; hopefully I've earned a bit of respect from the boys.

Has playing under Ernie Merrick changed your game?
At Brisbane, I was a winger. Ernie saw me as a striker. He wanted me getting into attacking positions and scoring goals, which I wasn't doing at Brisbane. It helped my game in terms of that. He's a great coach to play under with his A-League record speaking for itself. He's second to none.

Do you think Holger is a Socceroos coach more likely to pick A-League players for the national team?
I can't answer that - Holger is the coach. He's been to quite a few A-League games so hopefully some of the A-League players impress him. If anyone ends up getting picked for the squad then good luck to them. I hope they do the A-League and Australia proud.

You've played alongside many big names who have plied their trade overseas. Have any of them given you any advice as to when the right time to head over?
I've played with a lot of players who have achieved a lot overseas. I went over to FC Twente after my first season - I had a go there except it wasn't the right time for me to commit - mentally or physically. I was a kid. If I ever got the shot again I would be over the moon to go but my feet are on the ground. I just want to keep doing as well as I can for the Victory and repay them for the faith they've had in me.

So what do you think of the likes of Tommy Oar, Mitchell Langerak and now Mathew Leckie heading overseas at such an early point in their careers?
It's an early time in their careers. I was there when Tommy Oar was there. At 16, you could see the potential in him. He's achieved so much in his short career and I wish him all the luck in his endeavours. I've been good friends with Mitch for a long time and he's now over at one of the biggest clubs in Germany. He's a great keeper and he'll be brilliant. I hope Mathew Leckie's injury isn't too damaging - you never wish harm upon a person. Hopefully he can get back playing and if he heads overseas, he can do well.

This article appeared in the February 2011 issue of Australian FourFourTwo magazine. To buy back copies of this issue call 03-8317-8121 with a credit card to hand.