He's enjoying a green and gold renaissance, so it's little wonder that Mark Bresciano is looking to make sure he is part of a third FIFA World Cup.
It's hard to believe that this time two years ago, Mark Bresciano's international career looked over.
After starting Australia's 2-1 FIFA World Cup win over Serbia in South Africa, Bresciano placed himself in international exile and wouldn't again appear in green and gold until some two years later.
Since his re-emergence in February 2012, the 33-year-old has re-established himself as the heartbeat of Qantas Socceroos, his ten appearances and two goals since evidence of his value to Australia's FIFA World Cup charge.
"Not only the game in Melbourne but also the game in Japan, I think we all came together at the right time," Bresciano said.
"The performance has showed that we've got everything together and all the preparation in the last, I don't know how many, months has come out.
"It's been good, like we've all said, it's not done yet because we've still got Tuesday and we're the only ones that have got something to lose, so that's when it's going to be very difficult for us and we have to be in the right mindset to get this win on Tuesday."
Bresciano's current domestic surrounds in the Qatari Stars League saw him cross paths with a number of Iraq's top players throughout the recently completed campaign.
Most prominently, Younis Mahmoud - perhaps the most celebrated player in Iraqi football history - bettered the likes of Spain's Raul with ten goals for champion club Al Sadd.
While Mahmoud hasn't made the trip to Australia having announced his retirement, the majority of Iraq's crop of players playing abroad do so in Qatar, ensuring Bresciano is better aware than most of what the Qantas Socceroos' opponents are capable of on Tuesday.
"Football is changing, because, a lot of countries where years ago you probably think it's a walk in the park but it's not like that anymore," said Bresciano.
"Football in general as a sport is improving everywhere, not just in Australia but in other countries.
"I think we have to pay a lot more respect and a lot more attention to these countries.
"They've showed that anyone can beat anyone these days, it all comes down to your performance on the day and how focused you are on the day."
Australia's hero the last time the Qantas Socceroos faced Iraq was striker Archie Thompson, who on the occasion of his 50th international appearance is willing - but not hoping - to make another telling impact on Tuesday.
"I hope that the job is already done before I come on," Thompson said.
"I'm just happy to be a part of this squad and hopefully on the brink of something special."
The Qantas Socceroos- FIFA World Cup fate will be decided when they host Iraq at Sydney-s Stadium Australia on Tuesday, 18 June. Kick off is at 7.30pm AEST.