Reno Piscopo is back home in Melbourne, scoring big goals and daring to dream of even bigger things.
Over the past couple of years the now 26-year-old went from a young gun seemingly on the cusp of a Socceroos selection to a player whose body simply wouldn't let him do what he wanted to on the field.
But after signing for Melbourne Victory, Piscopo is starting to believe he can hit those great heights.
With the score locked at 1-1 against Macarthur on Sunday, Piscopo scored one of the goals of the season - and the winner - from long range.
"When I got the ball I was just driving with it, and I saw that had some space and I just kept going," he told AAP.
"Then I couldn't really see a clear pass ... so I just thought 'why not, just go for it.' So I started to bend it around the defender and lucky enough, it went in.
"It's great. It's a massive boost for me. It gives me confidence, and I'm starting to believe in my abilities again."
It had been a long wait to play at home after a career that started in Inter Milan's youth teams, kicked on at Renate then took him to Wellington and Newcastle.
"I hadn't been home in about 14 years," he said.
"So being back home, playing in front of friends and family every week, plus the supporters, it's amazing. I'm loving it.
Piscopo had conversations with Victory two years ago before ultimately signing with Newcastle - where he struggled through injuries.
"I just kept tearing my calves," he said.
"I didn't get treated right. Management wasn't the best.
"But I put that all aside. I don't really want to focus on it anymore.
"The past is the past and I'm in a happy place now. Mentally, I'm doing really good. I'm happy again. I'm enjoying my football.
"They've (Victory) got me through pre-season without any injuries. So credit to them.
"My body's feeling great - touch wood it stays like that."
An exciting playmaker with fancy footwork, Piscopo has forced his way into Patrick Kisnorbo's starting line-up and is determined to stay there.
He also has a future call-up in the back of his mind.
"That's still a goal of mine, still a dream of mine, to represent the Socceroos," he said.
"So I'm justt going to continue grinding and performing on the weekends, and hopefully I get that call up soon."
Piscopo will look to back up in unbeaten Victory's home clash with Brisbane at AAMI Park on Saturday.
On Friday night, Western Sydney host Newcastle, while Adelaide take on Western United on Saturday night.
On Sunday, Central Coast play Wellington, Sydney FC host Macarthur and Perth play Melbourne City.
