The man they call "the Kiwi Messi" has won plenty of plaudits during his time in the A-League, but no prizes.
Marco Rojas, Melbourne Victory's skilful winger, has been judged the league's young player of the year, won the Warren Medal as player of the year and been in the PFA's team of the year - all for his exploits in the 2012-13 season.
He was also named the Oceania player of the year in 2012 for his performances with the New Zealand national team.
But his best season in an A-League career that began with Wellington Phoenix in 2009 and has involved two spells with Victory was in 2013, when Victory were beaten 1-0 by eventual champions Central Coast Mariners in a semi-final.
So when Rojas is asked what this weekend's semi-final against Brisbane Roar means to him, it's hardly a surprise when he says "everything".
"Everyone knows that it's elimination [for the loser]. You have got to give everything you have to win the game ... I am just going to enjoy this week, enjoy the game. It's not often that you get to play in games like this.
"I have only played in one semi-final since I have been in the A-League. To get another chance of that at home is something I am very much looking forward to."
Rojas has rebooted his career with his return to Victory this season after a lean period in Europe, where a move to Stuttgart (then in the Bundesliga) did not work out.
He is certainly happy at AAMI Park, and though he might not have generated as many headlines as in his breakout season four years ago, the 25-year-old believes he is a more complete player and is putting in performances just as good as in that campaign.
Winning the A-League with Victory would be the icing on the cake.
"For me, it would rank very highly," he said. "I have only won one tournament and that was with the national team, the Oceania Nations Cup.
"In my club career I have not been lucky enough to win anything yet, so for me it's a very important couple of weeks too, so I am looking forward to it.
"It was a very difficult situation towards the end in Europe, but I do think I am in a better position now. I have had a good season so far, but hopefully there are two more games left.
"I am happy with the decision I made [to return] and happy with where I am at the moment.
"I am not a big one for comparing years, but I do think this year has been pretty good. I do think I am a better player than I was back then. The small things in football I have learnt, with experience and being over in Europe with a lot of good players, [have made a difference]. I have matured a bit both on and off the pitch and I am happy with that."
A-LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS
FRIDAY
Sydney FC v Perth Allianz Stadium, 7.50pm
After a season in which they've done it all, it all comes down to this for Sydney FC. The Sky Blues are favourites to lift this season's championship after losing just one game and smashing plenty of records on the way to the Premiers Plate. Now the pressure is on and Perth are talking up their underdog tag to drive home the point. They've already kicked off the mind games by suggesting Sydney might get complacent. But even the master of mind games Graham Arnold isn't biting, only expecting his squad to lift yet another gear. The Diego Castroinspired Glory have found fine form at just the right time but can they mentally get past four losses and 13 goals conceded to Sydney in all competitions this season?
Tip: Sydney
SUNDAY
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane AAMI Park, 5pm
The two most successful clubs in A-League history meet on Sunday night for a shot at winning title number four. Both Victory and Brisbane have proven their excellence over the course of the season but come into this semi-final under more clouds than sunshine. Kevin Muscat's team were in a holding pattern for the past month and recorded results to match; just two wins in their past six. The Roar lost goalkeeper Michael Theo in their elimination final with the Wanderers and then jetted off to Thailand for an Asian Champions League match on Wednesday night. Key players including Jamie Maclaren, Thomas Kristensen and Jade North were spared the trip but given Victory have had their feet up for a fortnight, fitness will be a factor. Brisbane might get captain Matt McKay back after a month out, but if they're chasing the game after an hour it might prove too tough.
Tip: Melbourne Victory
