Not much would be quite so bittersweet for Lisa De Vanna as watching a first home Women's World Cup as a retiree.
The Matildas veteran experienced much the same sentiment this week when the federal government tipped another $4 million into Australia's 2023 bid, the next step in turning a bold ambition into reality.
On the one hand, such a coup would be colossal for the women's game that's leapt out of obscurity into the mainstream.
On the other, there's a decent chance the country's all-time top-scorer will be watching from the stands.
"It's fantastic - good and bad," a torn De Vanna said.
"For the nation and the young ones it's fantastic. There's no bigger sporting event than a World Cup and to have an opportunity to host it in Australia gives every little boy or girl an opportunity to witness the greats of the greats.
"But to be a little bit selfish and greedy, I'd love to be playing in that World Cup."
De Vanna will be inching towards 39 by the time the 2023 tournament rolls around.
Not that the evergreen striker is showing signs her decorated career is decelerating.
She has 43 international goals and will have ample opportunity for more in April's Asian Cup and the 2019 World Cup.
In clubland, her form is as good as ever as she chases a fourth W-League championship with a fourth different club in Sydney FC.
Snaring the irrepressible De Vanna was a potentially season-defining masterstroke by first-year Sky Blues coach Ante Juric, who, after a slow start, has overseen a nine-match undefeated streak ahead of Saturday's home semi-final against the Newcastle Jets at Leichhardt Oval.
In turn, the freedom afforded by Juric, a former Matildas assistant under Alen Stajcic, has allowed the Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City title winner to shine.
"It's quite funny, I think this is one of my best seasons yet, considering I'm a bit older," De Vanna said.
"For me to be able to express myself and play the way I can and have the support has been amazing.
"I'm lucky Ante knows me from the Matildas so he knows what kind of style player I am.
"He likes Caitlin Foord and myself to be a bit more flamboyant in the way we play because we're those unpredictable players."
Premiers Brisbane Roar will host Melbourne City in the other semi-final on Sunday.
