The day Holland almost cost Jets A-League championship

Australia midfielder James Holland has recalled the biggest nightmare of his career as Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC prepare for the 10th A-League grand final.

James Holland is set to quit Austria Wien (Getty Images) Source: Bongarts

Holland plays his club football for FK Austria Wien but was a member of Newcastle Jets' championship-winning team in 2008.

He remembers the grand final against Central Coast Mariners vividly because it turned out to be one of the highlights of his playing career but the decider also gave him the fright of his life.

Holland had come on as a substitute for striker Mark Bridge and a handling infringement late in the game was not spotted by referee Mark Shield amid furious Mariners protests.

The Jets went on to win 1-0.

"It's hard to forget that moment," Holland recalled.

"The whole day was such a whirlwind full of mixed emotions.

"I was incredibly disappointed when I found out I was not playing then after I came on the handball frightened the hell out of me.

"My initial thought was that I had cost my team the grand final, which would have been devastating.

"Soon after came the final whistle that sparked the celebrations."

Holland said every player who will be taking part in the grand final for the first time should make the most of the occasion because he might not get another opportunity.

"Every moment in football should be cherished, particularly a grand final," he said.

"It's something special and an occasion players would like to look back on fondly.

"You never know if you'll get another chance.

"I'll be watching the grand final. It's hard to tip a winner but I'll go with Victory."

Holland revealed he will move on from Austria Wien at the completion of his contract at the end of the season.

After three seasons in Vienna, which he describes as "a beautiful part of the world", Holland said he needed another challenge.

"I've had some special times here, winning the championship in 2013 and playing in the subsequent UEFA Champions League," he said.

"However I have told the club I would like to move on to something new.

"I figure it's the right time to try and make that next step so hopefully the right opportunity presents itself.

"I guess you could say that (telling the club you want to move on without having anything in hand) is a bit of a risk but after long consideration it was the decision that I came to.

"In our business these decisions are not always easy but that's the nature of it at times.

"I think it is important to back yourself in life and to chase your dreams ... that was the basis of my decision.

"Regardless of where this will lead me as long as I've made the decision for the right reasons, then I will be able to live with no regrets."

Holland, who was a member of Australia's squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil but was not called into action, discounted the possibility of returning home to Australia.

"Now's not the time, I've got some work to do here first," he said.