Melbourne City

Melbourne City winger Dario Vidosic took one key lesson away from his three years in the Bundesliga. Be the player every opponent hates to play against.

I was seven when I moved from Iran to Australia and only 14 when I left home for the AIS… It was a tough time and I needed to rely on close relationships to get through it. I learnt that my mental health is just as important as my physical health, and focused on activities to make sure I’m in a good headspace.

Socceroos left back Aziz Behich plays cut-throat games in front of huge crowds each week at Turkish Super Lig club Bursaspor.

19-year-old Socceroos midfielder Daniel Arzani is the youngest player in any FIFA World Cup 2018 squad. His Melbourne City teammate Scott Jamieson recalls the audacious moment when he knew the kid was going places.

Stefan Mauk was playing in the Netherlands when his club was relegated. The attacking midfielder is loving Melbourne City, and says the standard of A-League football is clearly superior to the Dutch second division.

Melbourne City star Bruno Fornaroli grew up playing football in Uruguay with Luis Suarez and cried with his nation after the famous 2005 penalty shootout against Australia. Yet here he is, proud to be bringing his kids up as young Aussies.

Kyah Simon has only just begun to understand her family's story. It is a painful tale of violence and alcohol abuse, sacrifice and hope, and many things in between.

Lydia Williams has represented the Matildas for more than a decade. It still means everything to her. And a recent game proved it.

We could probably all do with a bit more perspective on life. I get mine easily. As we build up to the Melbourne Derby, this …