In a big year for international football, CommBank Socceroos Daniel Arzani, Riley McGree and Adam Taggart reflect on what it takes to chase big dreams, on and off the pitch.
Home advantage
Most elite players have a love of the game ignited early, often by someone close to them. For many footballers, that someone was Dad. “He loved football and I naturally fell in love with the game as well,” says Adam Taggart. While Daniel Arzani’s heroes lived both at home and on the screen. “My dad used to play a lot of football and so did my brother. But I also looked up to Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimović—players who made me fall in love with the game.”
Making the dream pay
When young people excel at sport, there’s often a healthy doubt about whether it can become a full-time career. “Before 14 or 15, I didn’t think it was even possible,” says Daniel. “But when I realised I was good enough, it was a no-brainer.” Youthful confidence helped Adam: “It’s easier to believe in yourself when you’re younger. I always believed I could do it.” Riley McGree admits he didn’t leave himself much choice. “I didn’t have a backup! Luckily, the opportunities came.”
Staying on track
Natural talent might get you noticed but consistency and focus keep you in the game. For these players, success isn’t about fleeting moments of brilliance; it’s about putting in the work, every day. “You have to stick to the routine,” says Adam. “There’s not much choice. If you’re not disciplined, it’s easy to lose momentum in this profession.” For Riley, setting a clear vision has been key. “Your goals are your compass,” he says. “They point you in the direction you want to go—it’s about ticking things off, evolving and setting the next challenge.”
Considering the future
The players agree that financial discipline is a muscle built over time, often learnt on the pitch first. “In this profession, you come across challenges,” says Adam. “But you learn to push through. It’s no different with finances.”
Daniel breaks it down further: “When you’re starting out, it’s all about the love of the sport. You’re not thinking about anything else. As you grow older, you realise you have to look after yourself—your fitness, your body—and that discipline applies to your everyday life, too. You love going out with friends, going shopping... but you also need to manage your money and make sure you’re investing in the right way so you can enjoy those things. Both need to work side by side.”
Pride and purpose
Representing their country is the kind of dream that once felt impossibly distant for these players. Now, it’s a source of pride that drives them. “To be part of such a momentous game for Australia is an incredible feeling,” says Daniel, reflecting on a World Cup qualifier against Japan.
“I took a photo of my jersey and sent it to my family group chat. We’re an immigrant family and Australia has given us so much. Playing for this country is my way of paying that back.”
The next generation
When asked what they’d say to a young Aussie staring down a big dream, whether it’s football, finance or anything in between, their answers are simple. “Love what you do,” says Riley. “If you love it, you’ve got every chance to reach the heights you want.” Daniel agrees but adds his signature edge: “You can literally do anything if you want it bad enough. If you set your mind to it, believe in yourself and have the grit to do the hard work, you can accomplish anything.”