Craig Goodwin doesn't want to retire without lifting one more trophy with Adelaide United.
The 34-year-old knows the end of his illustrious career is approaching, with the chance of a Socceroos recall for next year's Asian Cup appearing unlikely.
So it's the opportunity to write the perfect ending to his second and potentially last chapter at his childhood club that's driving the veteran winger.
Australia's 2022 World Cup goalscoring hero, Reds captain Goodwin's bid to feature at this year's FIFA tournament was derailed by injuries.
Goodwin had made a successful return from foot surgery to start the 2025/26 season, before suffering a groin injury in February.
He recovered in time to feature in second-placed Adelaide's finals campaign, but came off the bench in the club's eventual two-legged semi-final defeat to champions Auckland FC.
With his three-year contract set to end after the 2027/28 season, Goodwin - who was part of the club's maiden 2016 championship - is narrowing his focus.
The Reds play grand finalists Sydney FC away to start their campaign after sitting out last week's opening round due to the club's Asian Champions League Two schedule.
"I know I'm obviously coming towards the back end of my career, but I like to compete consistently," Goodwin told AAP.
"I feel I've been lucky enough to win with Adelaide and have that taste.
"But besides a championship-winning season, every other season with Adelaide, it's like six years now I've lost in the semi-final.
"That feels like unfinished business, wanting to try and lift silverware again with the club."
Goodwin hasn't been part of a Socceroos squad since Australia's friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in November.
There is only one international window left before the Asian Cup in January, with the Socceroos to play Qatar and Jordan in November.
Having witnessed what former Reds young guns Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure could produce in the Americas this year, Goodwin says he's made peace with the possibility that his Socceroos career is over.
"I've left it open. I'm not closing the door on the national team," Goodwin said.
"If it doesn't come, that's OK ... If more comes, then that would be great.
"And my ambition is to play as well as I can to try and be in that position.
"However, the national team is in a great spot right now ... having the potential to kick on the next four- to eight-year cycle is really exciting, thinking about the possibilities of where it could be.
"I'm able to try and help Adelaide's young players to be able to progress, to do what some of the boys like 'Mo' and 'Nestor' are doing."
