He's yet to make his A-League Men (ALM) debut for Brisbane Roar, but Charlie Austin has already been a breath of fresh air for the competition.
From his dyed-blonde hair to laid-back interviews, the 33-year-old caught the eye without even kicking a ball.
Speaking to The Sporting News at the A-Leagues recent season launch, Austin was asked which player would star for the Roar this season, and without skipping a beat, said his own name.
That confidence doesn't appear to be misplaced either with his experience and leadership set to prove key to a young Brisbane team in 2022/23.
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Austin has already made his debut for the club in the Australia Cup, scoring two goals across four appearances as his side reached the semi-finals.
.@chazaustin10 with his second goal in as many games!
— Australia Cup (@AustraliaCup) September 11, 2022
🎥 @10FootballAU #AustraliaCup #MagicOfTheCup #SUDvBRI pic.twitter.com/0G8osg6vZS
The former Premier League star, who scored an impressive 18 goals in England's top-flight during the 2014/15 season for QPR, was most recently playing in the Championship.
Austin was turning out regularly for QPR last season so his move Down Under at the age of 33 has surprised some.
The Englishman has had to fend off multiple suggestions he's only come to Australia for a holiday - something he's eager to prove wrong on the pitch.
"Everyone thinks I’m here on a holiday and I know I’m not, I keep saying that I’m not," Austin told The Sporting News.
"This marquee signing stuff is new to me but listen, I’m here to perform for Brisbane Roar, to score goals and grow the game if that’s what I’m here to do also then I’ll do that.
"First and foremost though, I’ve got a job to do."
But why Brisbane and why now?
"It was just a time in my career where I needed to try something different and why not try the other side of the world?" Austin said.
"Brisbane Roar offered me a package that I couldn’t refuse. The Austin family is going to enjoy the adventure."
✅ First goal
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) September 1, 2022
✅ Sweet knee slide celebration
✅ Perfect glancing header goal
It's as if he's done this all before.🤔 @chazaustin10 pic.twitter.com/pazhLKTkgS
Since his arrival, Austin has boasted a real swagger on and off the pitch.
As someone who has played in the Premier League, the 33-year-old isn't afraid to speak his mind with his post-match interviews in the ALM this season set to produce plenty of gold.
"Some people are opinionated and some are not. Some people are scared to step over the line as such but there’s nothing wrong with that," Austin said.
"Some people like the honest interviews and I like to give an honest one."
Honesty is something we can expect from Austin in cards this season as he looks to turn heads on and off the pitch.
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