In 2008, Papas furthered his coaching education at a KNVB-run coaching course in Canberra. There, the Dutch coaches alerted then FFA technical director Rob Baan of this unknown Aussie with a thirst for knowledge and great attitude.

Then aged just 30, Papas became the youngest ever head coach in the VPL when he joined Oakleigh Cannons in late 2010. 

In between times the FFA, clearly noticing the potential, had him work on a Skills Acquisition program at the AIS and as assistant coach to the national U13 and U18s sides as well as a technical analyst.

Additionally, Papas is an AIS scholarship coach whilst also studying a Masters in Sports coaching.

“I completed my first coaching course at 16 and by 25 my career as a player was over. So I researched what the best coaches in Europe had in terms of formal education so I put myself back through University,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“I began getting my licences and getting as much hands on work as possible and it’s just evolved from there. I guess it’s just an openness to learning and new methods that has been one of my traits."

Six knee operations scuppered any chances of real success on the pitch but the young coach was always fascinated by the coaching side.

“And having the opportunity to work under Jan [Versleijen] as my direct mentor," he said. "Anyone who has the chance to work under a coach like him and Gary Van Egmond, it comes down to having that attitude to want to learn.”

Papas preaches the philosophy of Versleijen which is for players to be pro-active - not reactive - on the park and for football specific training in all areas. And we’re seeing the fruits of that now with the Young Socceroos.

Players such as Mustafa Amini, Terry Antonis and Ben Kantarovski are products of a new, enlightened approach to coaching in this country.The results at last year's AFC U/19s further proof.

And Papas, like these youngsters, is also benefitting. Currently joint second on the VPL ladder, the Oakleigh gig has been a challenge for someone like Papas who works full-time in what is essentially a semi-pro league.

“Yes, but you have to take positives out of it," he argued. "It challenges you as a coach to be creative and also prioritise."

The FFA are actively seeking to encourage the next generation of local coaches with other names such as Paul Okon, Aurelio Vidmar and Gary Van Egmond all in the system and benefitting from national technical director Han Berger’s vision. 

Like the Roar mentor Postecoglou, Papas has taken his first senior post at an early age. And like the A-League title winning coach of the year, he doesn’t mind blooding youngsters.

“Every week I have five players 21 and under in my starting line up and another two 18 year old on the bench," explained Papas. 

“This is very rare and also my way of trying to help the game by exposing young players earlier to senior football," he said.

With the extraordinary success of Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar as well as Graham Arnold at Central Coast, the appeal of local managers has grown enormously over the last 12 months.

“There are definitely a lot of quality in coaches here but also being given opportunities and the right education and working with the right people and keeping an open mind.”

An as you’d expect, Papas is not the sort of gaffer to throw teacups and give the hairdryer treatment at half-time. “It’s important to remain cool, calm and collected to solve problems rather than based on emotions,” noted Papas. “And with players your relationship must be one of honesty and trust."

When you have the likes of Berger, Jan Versleijen and the KNVB’s Arie Schans all vouching for you, it’s clear we have a future star in our midst.

Little wonder his nickname at the AIS was “Jose” in reference to the Real manager who, like Papas, has a modest playing CV.

“The big picture is just to keep learning. I’m not in a hurry," he added.

"Take the Ange Postecoglou example. He was 31 when he started and that was over 15 years ago to get to where he is now.

“It’s important to keep educating yourself and evolving,” Papas said.

“You have to be patient. My journey will take longer because I don’t have that massive playing pedigree, but it’s not such a bad thing.  

“It just means I have to work harder. And smarter.”