For better or worse, videogames have been firmly in the Australian football limelight of late and ahead of the Sydney Derby, Wanderers keeper Vedran Janjetovic has revealed how popular game Call of Duty saved his now blossoming career.
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In a column for Players Voice, Janjetovic told the story of how in 2010 an excruciating pain in his left elbow eventually led to an inability to use his most treasured possession as a shot stopper- his hands.
Doctors from around the world couldn't work out what was wrong and after ten months in a scary limbo, Janjetovic's hands began working once more, only for the mysterious illness to return not long after.
Told by many to give up any hope of continuing his football career and struggling with day-to-day life, it would be the most unexpected outlet that came to the now 30-year-old's rescue.
"This will sound weird, but I firmly believe Call of Duty saved my football career," Janjetovic wrote for Players Voice.
"I was doing all kinds of brain exercises to trick my brain into thinking my left hand was moving.
"But the best rehab tool was my PlayStation. The buttons were helpful because it made me use my fingers.
"In Call of Duty, you’ve got to use the whole controller. I found it really helpful in my recovery."
Vedran, Robbie, Jack and Jacob are in the hot seat today playing the brand new @CallofDuty_ANZ #WSW pic.twitter.com/Ed2w9hJ1Ul
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) August 27, 2017
With the aid of the controller, Janjetovic hasn't experienced the bizarre condition for six years but admits it remains firmly in the back of his mind.
Janjetovic was playing for National Premier League side Sydney United during the time of his ordeal and after rediscovering the full use of his hands, made his A-League debut for Sydney FC in 2012.
Four years later, the Croatian-born goalkeeper would cross the Sydney divide to sign for the Wanderers, where he's gone onto cement a spot between the sticks.
The Western Sydney keeper will no doubt have his hands full on Sunday night in a derby against an all-conquering Sky Blues outfit that put five goals past Janjetovic the last time they met.
