All Whites striker Jeremy Brockie has his sights set on an A-League contract next season, after returning to Australia from a four-year stint in South Africa.
Brockie's family returned to Australia in March, while he remained in South Africa, with the hope he could see out the remainder of his contract in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), after the season was suspended due to coronavirus.
But as the country's COVID-19 cases surged and a return to play seemed unlikely, Brockie jumped at a chance to head back down under to be with his family.
Since touching down in June, the 32-year-old has been enjoying his time off with his family in Townsville, but seeing the PSL back in action has increased his desire to get back out on the field.
Brockie has revealed he was approached by two A-League clubs interested in signing the experienced striker prior to the season resumption, but his contract with the Mamelodi Sundowns prevented that from happening.
Brockie tells Newshub that he would be open to a return with the Phoenix, but uncertainty around roster spots and salary cap mean he will have to wait and see what happens.
The Phoenix are also well-stocked in the forwards department with the likes of David Ball, Ulises Davila, Ben Waine and Reno Piscopo already locked in for next year.
"I've spoken to the Phoenix, but they are pretty set in the striker department at the moment," says Brockie.
"Those players are set in stone but anything can change and maybe down the track, I could get a phone call and we could revisit it.
"There is interest and offers in South Africa. But now my family is back here, they've settled in, so it would be better for them if I got something closer to home.
"There were a couple of A-League teams that tried to sign me for the current season, but because I was still under contract it wasn't possible."
After leaving the Phoenix in 2015 to move to South Africa, Brockie has played over 100 games with Supersport United, Sundowns and Maritzburg United.
Brockie says coverage of the A-League is limited in South Africa, but he's been impressed with the team under first-year coach Ufuk Talay.
The Phoenix finished the regular season in third, their highest ever placing, and face the Perth Glory in an elimination final on Saturday.
"They've had a fantastic season," says Brockie. "I'm looking forward to watching them this weekend.
"I saw most of the pundits had them finishing last, but they proved people wrong and it would be fantastic for them to go all the way.
"Sydney won the premiers plate, but they've been a bit iffy and Melbourne City have been strong but other than that, it's wide open."
Brockie also revealed he's hopeful of playing for the All Whites again before he hangs up the boots.
The Christchurch-born star has represented his country 50 times, but knows further opportunities will be limited, after speaking to coach Danny Hay.
"When Danny took over we had a good chat and he knows what I could do and bring to a wider squad, and our chats were open and honest.
"He wanted to build a big squad as possible and they'd look at me towards the longer tournaments to bring knowledge and experience.
"Chances are slimmer of me making the national a, but while i'm still playing I'll never turn down the chance to play for my country."
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Wellignton Phoenix v Perth Glory A-League clash
