Much-loved Sydney FC and Socceroos forward Alex Brosque knows he's on the brink of a footballing fairytale.
Not many footballers get the chance to leave the sport on their terms, and at the very top.
The 35-year-old could do just that in Sunday's A-League grand final, when he leads the Sky Blues into battle with success-starved premiers Perth Glory.
After a career spanning 18 seasons and five countries, Brosque will play in his final match at Optus Stadium.
"It's a real privilege to be able to have made it all this way and be able to play in a grand final for the last one," he said.
On form, he could keep going.
Brosque was in super touch in last week's semi-final against Melbourne Victory, netting a fine volley as his Sky Blues side peeled away from the champions en route to a 6-1 thumping.
But he shut down the growing chorus that he should play on to next season, irrespective of the result against the Glory.
"They might think that but they don't wake up feeling the way I do," he laughed.
"It's very easy for me to come to that decision.
"I feel like physically and mentally, it is the right time."
Brosque's experience could be vital for Sydney, who believe they have an edge over Perth on the big stage.
Sydney FC enjoy the atmosphere of the derby with the Wanderers each season and have plenty of recent finals experience to draw upon.
"Nothing really prepares you for when you walk out in front of you know 60,000 people and the game kicks off," Brosque said.
"Those first couple touches, you know, can make a big difference in how you settle and how your team settles.
"We have dealt with that before. With them I guess we'll wait and see how they respond to it."
The grand final will be played at a different venue to their Perth's regular home of HBF Park, across town at the recently opened Optus Stadium.
Glory have played there once before; a pre-season friendly against Chelsea FC.
More than 53,000 fans are expected for the final and while the majority will be cheering the team in purple, Brosque thinks the distance between the crowd and pitch could reduce any home-town advantage.
"It's always difficult when you play away and the crowd is right on top of you," he said.
"The fact that this is played on a AFL ground ... the fact that they're not right on top of you.
"We've noticed that when we play down in Melbourne at (Marvel Stadium) compared to AAMI Park.
"There's going to be a real lot of noise, it's a lot of energy, but I think both teams will be able to use it in different ways to spur them on."