Ruben Zadkovich had a fairly successful playing career by most people's standards.
From lining up for clubs in England to making three appearances for the Socceroos and marking Lionel Messi at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
But it wasn't until his days running around on the pitch were ended prematurely in 2015 at the age of 29 that Zadkovich stumbled upon what he believes could be his true calling.
"I had two years at Perth Glory as a player but in that second year I had a really bad injury and basically had to retire so I saw out my contract by doing an assistant coaching role with the youth team," Zadkovich told Sporting News.
"I did it just to help out and that’s how I got into coaching basically.
"It was very natural for me because as a player I was always a leader in teams so that leadership-type role came naturally to me and coaching just suits my qualities.
"I just loved it straight away. It’s my life’s work now, it’s all I think about, so it’s nice to have found something post my playing career that I enjoy doing, and more than that, it feels like it is my natural forte, more so than playing."
After getting a taste for coaching at Glory, Zadkovich secured a head coach role with Northern NSW National Premier League (NPL) club Broadmeadow Magic in 2016.
What followed were three special years for the aspiring coach and the club itself as they hit some impressive heights on the pitch.
"We had some good success there, won the Maso Cup which is a big deal for that club, and in the same year won the championship and also made the last 16 of the FFA Cup," Zadkovich said.
"All three years I was there we scored the most goals playing a really attacking style of football. We gave debuts to a lot of young players who are still playing first grade.
"It was a great starting point for my coaching career."
Zadkovich is now back in Perth juggling three roles as an assistant coach for Glory's A-League team, head coach of their NPL side and youth academy manager for the club.
Glory's NPL team are currently sitting fourth after 19 games under Zadkovich - a notable achievement for a young team playing against the best at the senior level in Perth.
Still just 35, the former midfielder is developing his philosophy as a coach and it's not something he's taking lightly.
"Refining my coaching philosophy is constant. It’s all about the detail for me, evolving as the game evolves," Zadkovich said.
"Finding innovative ways of breaking down different tactical problems. Finding the balance between being able to play an attacking style of football that gets teams on the front foot, without compromising our defensive capabilities. Refining the detail in both transition moments. It’s constant.
"I like my teams to play with a resilience and mentality that empowers them in difficult situations and big moments. Instilling that belief and mentality into my players is a very rewarding process.
"Seven clean sheets in the past 12 games with the young Glory boys is a strong reflection of this mentality."
Continuing the build-up to tonight's home @NPLWA clash with @ArmadaleSoccer, here's a full match preview featuring PGFC Academy Head Coach Ruben Zadkovich, courtesy of @TommyDoleman at @FootballWest: https://t.co/QxzS8AzSuM#OneGlory pic.twitter.com/ovuYh4Rhn4
— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) July 30, 2021
At an age where Zadkovich could have still been playing himself had things turned out differently, his managerial approach is bolstered by a strong connection with his players.
"My players get the best of me. They know my care for them is paramount and I think that’s really important," he said.
"It’s about giving them the coaching, mentoring and guidance they need to navigate their own pathway in football, and in life. That constant process of recalibrating their focus to their own goals and dreams – it’s very rewarding in its own right.
"And then building a successful team environment, by bringing those individuals together to achieve common goals. That takes time and dedication, and there is no better feeling for me."
Having played under some incredible managers like World Cup winner Pierre Littbarski, Zadkovich feels he's been blessed by those experiences and is eager to make the most of them as he forges his own path on the sidelines.
"I've taken something from all the quality coaches I’ve been exposed to and I think in that regard I was very lucky," Zadkovich said.
"I was coached by Graham Arnold for two years with the Olyroos. I was coached by Ange Postecoglou in the Australian Under 20's. Guys like Gary Van Egmond at the Newcastle Jets, Pierre Littbarski at Sydney FC, Paul Jewell at Derby County and Ian Holloway at QPR.
"So I got exposed to a lot of coaching styles, with contrasting styles of delivery and football tactics. When combined with my own experiences in the game, my interactions with players and coaching staff over many years, my values and principles, it’s all helping me develop and achieve as a coach.
"All that has helped me form my own opinions and beliefs on how football should be played.
"Once you’ve got that clear in your mind and can deliver that with real clarity, then the players have a much stronger belief and buy-in."
Considering what he achieved as a player, Zadkovich looms as an Australian coach to keep a close eye on in the years to come as he embraces what he believes could be his true calling.