Noel Spencer (right) in action against Cringila’s David Polidoro. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Somehow, in the middle of winter, Noel Spencer plunges himself into his backyard pool.
It's freezing. It always is.
He doesn't have to do it.
He's 35, won two national league titles and represented his country at an under-age level.
There should be nothing left to prove. Should.
"It means just as much to win a grand final in the Illawarra Premier League as it does to win A-League trophies," Spencer said.
"Once you taste that success you want more."
It tells you all you need to know about Spencer.
One-third of Dapto Dandaloo's big three who father time has seemingly forgot to chase, Spencer continues to set the standard both on and off the pitch.
Reckons he's only missed one game in a season where the Fury have been juggling more fixtures than Alessandro Del Piero does pens at an airport signing session.
And it's not hard to see why his coach labels him the "ultimate professional".
"I do extra work here and there to make sure I'm right for training," Spencer said. "That professionalism from the past kicks in a bit so I look after the body a bit more.
"The pool sessions have been crucial for me - in the middle of winter jumping in the pool at home in minus whatever degree temperatures.
"The body feels good now so I guess all that mid-season work on the recovery helps for sure."
If there was ever meant to be a poster boy for the Fury, it should be Spencer.
A player with links to both the Dapto and Dandaloo clubs before their merger in time for the 2012 season, Spencer is invariably the first name on Norm Boardman's teamsheet.
His footballing resume could, almost by default, allow him to pick and choose his battles. Which games he wants to play and where to feature in them.
But guess who Boardman turned to straight away in Dapto Dandaloo's hour of need?
When the unthinkable became a little more thinkable as Cringila threatened to crash the 10-man Fury's party on the last day of the league season.
Yep, it was the man they call "Spanner", ever present for another fix-it job in the heart of defence.
He's been deputising there for the suspended Matt Radman ever since.
"It was the best thing for the team and obviously the team comes first," Spencer said.
"I spent a fair bit of time back there in the old National Soccer League with the Northern Spirit and even a few games in the A-League with the Mariners.
"Obviously the holding midfield role is my bread and butter, [but] it was no drama."
Which is why he won't complain if his coach puts him in a defensive role.
Meanwhile Spencer says his body will tell him when he has had enough. That's when the pool becomes a bit too cold - although it won't be any time soon.