Charbel Shamoon's desire to become a professional footballer was steeled in four-hour round trips to training in the passenger seat of his sister's car.
But for his family, the journey started long before then: first in Iraq, then Syria, where Shamoon was born, before the family settled in Melbourne's northern suburbs.
It's a winding road that has set up the Western United young gun, in demand from both Iraq and Australia at international level, for what comes next.
"At about 10 months old, we moved to Australia - I think it was November 2004," Shamoon told AAP.
"My father just thought it would be safer to come to Australia, which it was at the time, because Iraq wasn't going through the best period. So we packed our bags."
When Shamoon, now 20, started junior football, soon rising through the ranks at Casey Fields-based Melbourne City, then United, everyone chipped in.
"It was my whole family: from my brother and my dad taking me to trainings when I was very young, at six, seven, to my sister taking me to Cranbourne for Melbourne City, which was two hours away, and she'd wait for me," he said.
"My mum as well, and my other sister. They all did their part, taking me to training, paying fees.
"Without them, this would never have happened. All credit to them.
"I'm really happy with myself that I've been able to fulfil all their hard work. I'm representing myself but I'm representing my family as well."
Shamoon earned a call-up to Iraq's youth team, later making it to the final of the U20 Asian Cup.
It's an "unbelievable" experience he holds close to his heart.
"It's special, especially the fact that my whole family grew up there, all my relatives as well. I'm the only real first generation Aussie-Iraqi growing up in Australia," he said.
"So it's a real privilege to play for the country, because I know how much it means to them and it means a lot to me as well."
Shamoon has thrived under coach John Aloisi, who has backed him as a starting full-back.
While he will line up for United against Macarthur at Ironbark Fields on Saturday, Shamoon has big dreams, including the 2026 World Cup.
Recently called up for the Olyroos, Shamoon admits his international future is "in the balance".
"It's a privilege to even have an opportunity to play for one national team, better yet two," he said.
"I'm just really focused on my club.
"When that next international window comes, next March, hopefully again, both come calling because that shows my merits, that I'm performing well with my club.
"I'll make a decision when the time comes, and hopefully it's the right one.
"I really haven't decided yet, but it's an honour to be able to even have the opportunity to decide and represent either of the countries.
"I love both countries equally."
