From Grand Final glory and glamour in Melbourne’s awsome AAMI Park Arena - to the cold reality of a January afternoon in Auchinleck.
It’s been some six-month journey for Nathaniel Atkinson as he prepares to finally get his Hearts career underway in the unlikely setting of Talbot ’s quaint Beechwood Park.
But there’s no danger the Jambos’ new signing feels like he’s taken a backward step. Not a chance.
Hearts' latest Aussie recruit insists he’s living the dream having finally clinching a move to Europe after a sensational year that saw him become a league and cup champion with Melbourne before starring for the Socceroos at the Tokyo Olympics.
Fair to say Atkinson will have to go some this year if he’s to top his achievements in 2021. But he’s ready to give it a go - stating he’ll “die for the badge” - starting in deepest Ayrshire in today's Scottish Cup tie.
The full-back was sold on a move to Tynecastle by close pal Cammy Devlin, who has been a sensation since making the trip across the globe to Gorgie last year. But his old boss in Melbourne, ex-Jambo Patrick Kisnorbo, also played a part.
Atkinson said: “I thought it was time for me to go to Europe and test myself. Hearts were interested and offered the chance to come to a big club in Scotland where lots of Australians have done well.
“He (Kisnorbo) said it’s an aspiring club that wants to get back into Europe. He told me about the expectations, the fact they want to compete at the top of the league.
“The big person for me was Cammy. While we were at the Olympics that’s when he was about to move over. It was obviously an exciting experience for him.
“So I was onto him as quick as possible to see what the process was.
“I hope to make the same impact. Cammy throws his body around and dies for the badge every day. I’m the same.
“I hate to lose. I will try and win at all costs and if that means putting my body on the line I’ll be sure to do that.
“Every footballer wants to win games and I’m a player who likes to attack, take players on but also defend.
“Fans will see a player who will die for the badge and I want to bring trophies here as well.”
The Tasmanian, renowned in the A-League for his devilish appetite to win, was named man of the match after his goalscoring display in the 3-1 Grand Final victory over Sydney FC back in June.
He said: “It was some day for me. It was a tough season as I’d had a couple of injuries.
“It was a bit of a race against the clock to get back for the final series and also to get into the Olympics.
“But once I got there it was nothing but great memories. I was lucky enough to be the man of the match but also to win trophies.
“There’s no better feeling than that. Hopefully here we can win a couple more.
“When you make your professional debut that’s also a highlight but to win two trophies and get man of the match was probably the highlight of my career.
“It was tough to celebrate because Covid was a big thing in Melbourne at the time and nothing was really open.
“So we just had a big function with everyone involved with the club.”
The Tokyo Olympics followed just three weeks later.
Atkinson was a top performer for the young Socceroos as they shocked Argentina in their opener only to lose to Spain and Egypt.
The competition was redemption for the 22-year-old who was one of four players suspended by the FFA the previous year for a breach of discipline during a night out in Cambodia after an Asian Football Confederation U23 Championship qualifier.
He said: “I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason. It was a big experience and helped me grow up and mature.
“I made the Olympics which was a blessing and a great experience getting to play against some of the best young players in the world.
“I’ve come close to getting into the Socceroos squad and hopefully I can continue form, get fit and start playing.”
