From Grand Final glory and glamour in Melbourne’s awsome AAMI Park Arena - to the cold reality of a January afternoon in Auchinleck.
It’s been some six-month journey for Nathaniel Atkinson as he prepares to finally get his Hearts career underway in the unlikely setting of Talbot ’s quaint Beechwood Park.
But there’s no danger the Jambos’ new signing feels like he’s taken a backward step. Not a chance.Hearts' latest Aussie recruit insists he’s living the dream having finally clinching a move to Europe after a sensational year that saw him become a league and cup champion with Melbourne before starring for the Socceroos at the Tokyo Olympics.
Fair to say Atkinson will have to go some this year if he’s to top his achievements in 2021. But he’s ready to give it a go - stating he’ll “die for the badge” - starting in deepest Ayrshire in today's Scottish Cup tie.
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