As far as homecomings go, Thursday night will be a special one for Chris Ikonomidis.
Fresh from securing the A-League Premier's Plate on Sunday, Perth Glory will take on Sydney FC at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium looking to strike another psychological blow against the Sky Blues just over a fortnight away from the finals.
And it will be an even bigger occasion for Ikonomidis.
The 23-year-old from Cronulla will return to Kogarah, just over the bridge from where he grew up, to play in front of his family and friends.
Ikonomidis missed the 1-0 win over Newcastle that secured the premiership after he suffered superficial damage to his shoulder in Perth's victory over Central Coast a week earlier.
Speaking to the Leader from Perth on Monday, Ikonomidis said he was confident of returning before the finals but was unsure whether he would be fit to play at Kogarah. Though he was desperate to play again so close to home.
"I usually need around 30 tickets. I've got a big family and they love coming to watch me play when they can," he said.
"I haven't [played at Kogarah before]. The only thing I've done there is train with the Socceroos a few times.
"If I do get to play it'll be the best feeling, obviously. It's one of the bigger games you mark down in the calendar and get up for. It's an added bonus that it's in Sydney in front of my family and friends, our first match as the premiers and it's a huge match as well.
"I'm really looking forward to coming back home. The shire is home for me, I can't wait to get back and hopefully play in front of my family and friends. If not I'll get to spend Easter back home in Cronulla with them.
"My shoulder feels a lot better. I'm not sure about this week. It's a day by day thing at the moment. Definitely soon, before the semis.
"We allowed ourselves to enjoy last night and rightfully so after a long, grueling season. But our attention has gone right back to football and to secure our next trophy which is our number one priority."
Ikonomidis played his junior football with Cronulla RSL before moving onto the Sutherland Sharks. From there, he signed with Italian club Atalanta before joining Serie A giants Lazio.
He came back to Australia on loan with Western Sydney last season before linking with Tony Popovic at the Glory this season. And it has been an excellent campaign for Ikonomidis, who has scored eight goals in 17 matches for Perth.
It has also been a big year on the international stage, with Ikonomidis reaching 12 caps for Australia after starring at the Asian Cup in January.
"Obviously that was a huge deal for me. Playing for the national team has always been one of my priorities," he said.
"I'm looking forward to playing more games and starting more games and putting my talent on show at that level.
"I got into the team for a major tournament for the first time. It was my first time working with [Socceroos coach] Graham Arnold. I was really pleased with how I went. It's a fantastic set up there now. The mentality is to give freedom to the attack-minded players and to create a lot of chances. Personally I was very happy with how the Asian Cup went for me.
"I was lucky enough that my family, my mum, dad and brother, came over for it. They came over for the Syria and UAE games, they got to see me score and get two assists which was fantastic.
"It only happens once every four years. It was unreal, the stadium full of UAE supporters when we played them. It was very special for me, it sums up why you go through all the hard work, the ups and downs and sacrifices for these beautiful moments."
