That dream will come to fruition when the Western Sydney defender heads to WIN Stadium on Sunday.

It is a special moment for Russell, who has been inundated with messages from friends and family ahead of the game. The main question he has been asked? "Can you score me a ticket?"

"We only get a certain amount [of tickets], but I've got a lot of friends that have hit me up for a few. So I'm trying to get as many as we're allowed," Russell said.

"It's definitely one that I had on my calendar this year that I was very excited for. It's always good to be home, playing in front of friends and family. I haven't had the opportunity for a while now."

Read more: Butchers primed for top-of-table Cricket Illawarra stoush with Wollongong

In fact, it has been nearly 18 months since Russell last took to WIN Stadium, when he made his Olyroos debut against New Zealand.

But Russell is no stranger to the ground, having spent four years at the Wollongong Wolves as a junior.

"When I was playing for the Wolves, we had a couple of games on WIN Stadium and it was a quality pitch," the 21-year-old said.

"We had an Olyroos camp here last year and I was lucky enough to come back and represent the country against New Zealand in front of my family. So that was special for me, for sure."

This time, Russell returns to Wollongong as a key cog in the Wanderers machine.

Russell - who is the son of Illawarra Steelers great Ian - has played in all seven matches this A-League season and become rock-solid at left wing back.

"In terms of being a young player, it's important to get that confidence and consistency in myself," he said.

"I've got the belief and the confidence from my coach (Carl Robinson), and it's pretty much on me to keep going that way."

Sunday shapes as a crunch game for the Wanderers, who are determined to pick up the three points.

Western Sydney have started their campaign well, notching up three wins and a draw to remain in contention for the 2020/21 finals.

While they are favourites against the struggling Phoenix - who are at the foot of the ladder and yet to claim a win at WIN Stadium since arriving in Wollongong last November - Russell refuses to underestimate his opponents.

"They've still got a quality side. I think they've also been a bit unlucky in some of the games they've played. They definitely have quality players on their team and we're not going to take the game lightly," Russell said.

"I think, from the start of the season from our first game, we've been a gradual rise in the way we want to perform and the way our gaffer wants us to play. It's good and exciting, and hopefully we can continue with that form.

"We're coming down there to grab the three points."