Sydney FC striker John Aloisi believes that New Zealand was destined to one day emerge as a genuine commodity.
Although the former Socceroo never played against sides from the island nation, whilst in Europe he heard that things in New Zealand were not really up to scratch.
With two teams, Football Kingz and New Zealand Knights now defunct, you could argue that the Kiwis were never going to make it until the last 12 or so months where things have changed dramatically.
As Sydney prepare to take on the pride of Wellington, the Phoenix, this Saturday in a Preliminary Final, Aloisi says he is not surprised things have worked out the way they have.
"I'd hear from players that it was disappointing when you'd go over to Auckland and there'd be less than a thousand people watching," he told NZPA.
"The team was never that competitive, it was a team everyone thought they could beat - and did beat.
"Then my brother (Ross), when he first signed for Wellington, he told me 'Look, it's a club that wants to go places fast'. He spoke very highly of the owner (Terry Serepisos).
"I'm not surprised," Aloisi added.
"Playing them in the first year, even though they were near the bottom they were a pretty good side. They made it difficult for a lot of teams and the thing now is they've brought in quality players."
Sydney meet Wellington Phoenix in the A-League Preliminary Final tomorrow, Saturday March 13 at Sydney Football Stadium - kick-off is at 8pm AEDT.