Easygoing days help Robbie Kruse appreciate Victory’s role in his rise

It’s 7.30am and a slimline, spritely Robbie Kruse is one of the first Melbourne Victory players in.

Robbie Kruse has returned to Melbourne Victory with an appreciation of the club’s role in his rise in the game. Picture: AFP

It’s 7.30am and a slimline, spritely Robbie Kruse is one of the first Melbourne Victory players in, preparing for treatment as part of his customary and extensive rehab.

Over 10 years ago it could not have been a more different story, with Kruse relishing his stunning rise at Brisbane Roar — a little too much.

The minimum $35,000 wage was enough for most young professional footballers to live on. Except Kruse burned the candle at both ends.

“My family didn’t grow up with a lot of money or anything, so as soon as I saw a little bit of money I thought this was the bee’s knees,” Kruse said.

“I moved out of home and I was only 17 at the time and I was already playing in Brisbane and getting talked about (as a rising star). I wasn’t getting paid a lot in football terms, minimum wage, around $30,000.

“But for me, 17 years old and just going to training for two hours a day was a pretty easy life so I used to think back then if I could get to six figures I’d be the happiest man in the world.

“I went through phases where I’d come home and drink a lot, then just go out a lot and spend my money and the last few days before the next pay I would struggle because I didn’t have a lot of money left.

“I used to struggle for money for fuel and food, so I used to have to go to Cash Converters — it was a 200 metre stroll, and I’d try and cash things in to cover it. Just anything (we’d take).

“I still think about it now, I had a bike – it was worth $100 or $200, they (Cash Converters) only gave us $20 and $30. It got us through the next two days, til payday.

“Sometimes I look back and laugh, sometimes I get a bit embarrassed about saying it. But I was young.

“We used to live on two-minute noodles, a lot of things I wasn’t proud of. But a lot of things that turned me into the person I am today and help me realise eventually what kind of life I could have with football.”

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Kruse has said it a few times, but his return to Victory has made him appreciate the vital role they played in igniting his career, which saw him play UEFA Champions League with Bayer Leverkusen and represent the Socceroos — 75 games and counting.

So where would he be if he didn’t sign for Victory 10 years ago?

“Probably would have just ended up being just another A-League player or eventually quitting. That’s the honest truth. I didn’t appreciate the game or realise what kind of potential I had,” he said.

“Coming down here, seeing a different (world) and getting away from my comfort zone and from what I had to get away from opened my eyes.

“Being at the club here which really nurtured me with Ernie (Merrick), Musky (Kevin Muscat), Adrian Leijer, Broxy (Leigh Broxham), really brought me in and showed me how to be a professional and that really helped me flourish.

“Obviously I had a great year and a half year which propelled me into the national team and then overseas.”

Kruse, 31, has shown the class that saw Victory make him a marquee signing — a far cry from his minimum wage Brisbane days, and he admits Saturday’s derby against City is a season-defining match for his club.

“It’s massive for us. There’s no more chances – after this we don’t play into January 5 (bye week after),” he said.

“It’s not even about performances, it’s purely about three points here. It’s going to be a battle. I’m looking forward to it.”

HERALD SUN