Episode 01 - Michael Glassock

Michael Glassock almost didn't make it. COVID hit mid-career, the A-League door never opened, and two years passed with no real opportunity. Then Malaysia called.

Michael grew up on the Central Coast, came through the Mariners academy for a decade, and found himself in limbo when COVID hit. Instead of waiting, he did the work — and eventually landed a professional contract at Pahang FC in the Malaysian Super League.

In this episode, Michael breaks down exactly how it happened. How a connection through Hong Kong football opened his first overseas door at just 19. What the contract process actually looks like for a young Australian heading into Southeast Asia. And why the mental side of being a foreigner — playing in front of big crowds, living alone, dealing with bad performances — matters just as much as what you do on the pitch.

If you're an Australian footballer wondering what's possible outside the A-League, this is the episode for you.

About The Overseas Athlete

Real conversations with athletes who have built careers overseas, and the people who help them. The Athlete Newsletter every Wednesday: read.athletenewsletter.com

Chris Broadfoot is an ex-pro footballer and founder of SportsFX, the currency and payments partner for professional sport. More at sportsfx.co