achievement from afar -- the triumphant 2015 Asian Cup run -- further added to the lament of injury misfortune.

"I should've been there [for the Asian Cup]. I missed a lot, I just wish I was there. I hate missing out, but I'm glad the boys did well," the former Wales youth international said.

For someone who flirted with the Premier League, returning home to Australian domestic football during the typical peak years for a professional footballer was a gracious leap of faith. But he believes it will ultimately prove fruitful in re-writing his injury-prone reputation, and recreating his long-term legacy.

The Australian competition's shorter schedule, in addition to the proximity that Socceroos stars are afforded to the national manager, was a key draw to coming home.

While he missed out onAustralia's squad for June's Confederations Cup, his recall to the Australian squad for the World Cup qualifiers in March -- even though he didn't see game time -- has given Williams a boost.

Rhys Williams, playing with Tim Cahill against Ireland in 2009, has earned only 14 caps over eight years.

"I'm enjoying being back and the less games has helped me as well, coming back from injury. I feel good and I really can't wait to get started at the Victory," he said while attending a friendly match in Malaysia, where his father Eric has been coaching Melaka United in the nation's top tier.

"Coming back was to make sure I enjoyed football again; being away from family and injured a lot, I've come back to prove my fitness and