Changes at Melbourne Victory put Socceroo Robbie Kruse in control Robbi Kruse in action for the Socceroos. WHEN Robbie Kruse left Brisbane, he became a man. As captain of the Roar during Robbie's time at the club, I saw first-hand the troubles he was having on and off the field. Unfortunately for himself, his family and the club, Robbie was not in a happy space. At the Roar we knew Robbie had a lot of issues, but we perhaps didn't know the entire story. He was under continual watch by then-coach Frank Farina as well as a host of other people at the club - everyone knew that things weren't 100 per cent rosy with him. I was as supportive as I could be. I even tried to get Robbie to stay with me and my family at our Gold Coast home for a week to give him a look at the other side of life, with kids going to school and soccer training, perhaps a different way of life. He didn't end up coming. However, his decision to accept Melbourne Victory's offer was the best choice he has ever made. The timing of the Victory's interest was also perfect for Robbie. The right opportunity came at the right time. By moving to Melbourne, he had to grow up. Some players have to move. He quickly matured as a player and as a person. He was excellent at the Victory, and has gone from strength to strength following a tough initiation period in Germany. Now much tougher mentally, Robbie has cemented a position in the national team, and Socceroos coach Holger Osieck speaks very highly of him. Robbie performs with real maturity now, and not just on the field. The way he comes across, the way he talks to the media you can see that he's grown up. That aside, where the Socceroos need Robbie performing at his best is ANZ Stadium on Tuesday in our crucial World Cup qualifier against Oman. If we lose or even draw this game ahead of June's trip to Japan, our chances of going to Brazil next year will be severely jeopardised.