Two years after Harrison Sawyer's big career break meant leaving South Melbourne in the middle of an Australia Cup run, the big striker's journey is coming full circle.
In September 2024, Sawyer led the line as South reached the quarter-finals, but signed with Macarthur FC and couldn't see out that campaign.
On Saturday, Sawyer will line up for new team Melbourne Victory against the club where he made his name, in the most high-profile domestic game in recent history: a sold-out Australia Cup final at AAMI Park.
"It would be up there with the most special game of my career, personally," former Hellas captain Sawyer told AAP.
"And even for the club, it's a big occasion, a lot on the line for both sides, so excitement's an understatement.
"It'll be probably the best atmosphere I've played in Australia, I reckon. I'm buzzing."
The clash between South, an NSL powerhouse and Victory, a modern-day winner in the A-League, has been eagerly awaited since the Australia Cup started.
"It's kind of like the new guard against the old club," Sawyer said.
"A lot of history with both clubs and a lot of success. Both teams are used to success and will be expecting success.
"So, when you bring those two worlds to collide, hopefully the spectacle and the game lives up to that."
People at South make it clear: former captain Sawyer is always welcome back at Lakeside Stadium - they just hope he doesn't score on Saturday, unless it's in a losing team.
The striker, known for his quirky celebrations, doesn't plan on anything showy if he nets against his old club either. He might not even celebrate.
Beyond Saturday's game, the former South skipper would love to see the ex-NSL powerhouse granted its wish of an A-League berth, too.
"Personally, yeah, why not?" Sawyer said.
"I think it would bring a lot to the league.
"For me, there's definitely no hard feelings in terms of wanting success for them as well - except just not on the 10th of October."
