He's about to test himself against English giants Liverpool, but the long-term goal for Canberra junior Steven Lustica is to see his home town have its own A-League team.
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The Brisbane Roar midfielder is a passionate supporter of Canberra being included into the A-League when Football Federation Australia puts expansion back on the table.
In the Whole of Football plan unveiled last week, the FFA stated centres with a population base of at least 500,000 have the market to sustain an A-League team within the next 20 years.
Lustica has travelled far and wide to fulfil his football dream, plying his trade with Gold Coast United and Adelaide United, along with a stint in Croatia, before joining the Roar last year.
He is one of several Canberra products in the A-League, showcasing the strength of the region and helping in a push for the city's own team.
"It'd be great if we could get a Canberra team because it would create a clear pathway for players to reach the top," Lustica said.
"At the moment, there's nowhere to go so players have to leave and can be lost in the system.
"It's certainly something I would like to see happen and would be a great thing for Canberra."
Lustica was a special guest at his junior club, Canberra FC, for its National Premier League game against Tuggeranong United at Deakin Stadium on Sunday.
He will return to Brisbane this week in preparation for the friendly with Spanish club Villareal on June 3 before the Roar's match with Liverpool on July 17.
"It's fantastic that such big clubs, especially Liverpool, come to Australia to play A-League teams," Lustica said.
"We're definitely looking forward to it and we hope they bring their full teams out.
"It will only enhance the A-League and the interest around football in Australia."
The Roar's exit in week one of the finals capped a tumultuous campaign for the defending champions.
Coach Mike Mulvey was sacked, his replacement Frans Thijssen was told he wouldn't be required for next season and they were eliminated in the group stages of the Asian Champions League.
Lustica was in and out of the first team, but he is determined to cement his place in the side with a year left on his contract.
"I think when I got a chance to play I made an impact and brought something to the table," Lustica said.
"It was just disappointing we couldn't have gone further this season.
"We would have liked to have progress further, but now we just look to next season."
Meanwhile, White Eagles and Weston-Molongo face off in the last FFA Cup round of 16 game at the Hawker Football Centre on Tuesday night at 7pm.