In Sydney for the FFA Coaches Conference, a jet-lagged Alagich was still coming to terms with the enormity of the Reds’ achievement in winning their Asian Champions League group.

This came after a dramatic 0-0 draw with Changchun Yatai last Thursday evening in China sealed top spot for Aurelio Vidmar's men.

“When the final whistle went, that 30 seconds, minute and a half after is something I’ll never, ever forget,” Alagich told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“The emotion of being my last game but also the absolute relief of getting through to the second round... we created history. You should’ve seen the changing rooms after. All those things all coming together means I’ll never forget it.”

It was an emotional trip on many levels for Alagich and the Reds. “The place we stayed had no western tourists. They didn’t cater for westerners.

"And everything on their TVs was on the earthquake – it was blanket coverage.

“On the Monday afternoon we went into the city in a taxi and there was three minutes when the whole city just stopped. It was very moving. All across China it happened too.

“People came out of the buildings stood on the street with their heads down and you get a realization of how proud they are and hurt they felt for the victims. As I said, it was very moving.”

The extra day in China – due to national mourning for the thousands killed in the earthquake early last week – added to the tension of the trip.

“I guess the other side of it was that we had niggling injuries and one player came down sick, but having that extra day helped us,” said Alagich.

The win was also a way for Alagich to help his club to arguably the biggest match in the club's history - a quarter final date with goal-machine Kashima Antlers from the J-League.

“I lost a grand final 6-0 so this was my grand final if you like, and a few of the other players felt the same.

“I think it was the biggest club game in Australian football virtually. To get a result like that, to do it was incredible.”

The Reds will have gun striker Cristiano from Willem II in their ranks for the clash with the J-League power in September, possibly alongside either Nathan Burns or Paul Agostino.

And with a returning Cassio, Diego Walsh, and Alemao as the new right back, Alagich is bullish ahead of the Kashima Antlers quarter final.

“Kashima is coming towards the end of their season with injuries and fatigue a factor and absolutely, yes, we’ll be fresher after having an off-season break and just four rounds into the new A-League season.

“It’s home and away, you get a good result away there and anything’s possible. It’s a massive task though.”

Alagich also paid tribute to Melbourne Victory, saying the four friendlies against their fellow ACL side during the last few months was “immensely helpful".

“I hope qualifying for the group stage will be the norm for A-League teams in years to come, starting with the Jets and Mariners next season,” he added.

However, Alagich has ruled out a return to the Reds even though he may play in the SA state league and could be in line as short term cover should the situation arise.

“I couldn’t just chuck it all away. That’s why I’ll play in the state league, but I’d maybe consider it for the champions league [this year] but nah, I’ve retired. And I’m comfortable with that decision.”