The likes of Dwight Yorke, John Aloisi, Juninho and Craig Moore have all contributed to the competition in the last three years but Melbourne Victory defender Roddy Vargas is proof that you don’t always have to think in star terms to land a quality addition.

Vargas, preparing for his first taste of the AFC Champions League against Korean side Chunnam Dragons on Wednesday night, had to be patient before seizing his chance in the professional ranks.

So too did one of his best friends in football, Adelaide United new boy Sasa Ognenovski.

Vargas told au.fourfourtwo.com: “You want a strong league and to have some established quality players in there.

“Not everyone is in that situation though. In my case, I didn’t get an opportunity in the first year of the A-League. It was disappointing but I went away, worked hard in the state league and fortunately Ernie Merrick came back and I got my opportunity.

“I think Sasa was in a similar position (Ognenovski was playing in the Victorian Premier League with Fawkner-Whittlesea) before getting his chance at Queensland Roar."

He added: “There is talent out there and as a player at that level you just hope that if you keep your head up and keep performing then there is the chance of something there for you.

“I know coaches are anxious to have players that they know are tried and tested if you like but sometimes I think you have to give someone a chance.

“Sometimes you have to roll the dice in life and I’d hope that coaches continue to look at the state leagues and be prepared for a little gamble on someone.”