Victories over Celtic and Western Sydney Wanderers ensured Everton's trip to Australia was a success on the pitch - and it was a massive hit off it, too, as the Blues got to interact with passionate fans from around the world.
Everton Supporters' Club Australia (ESCA) worked alongside the Club’s Fan Engagement team to deliver a range of supporter-led events to celebrate the Blues’ visit to Sydney.
In attendance for many of them were 1987 Everton title-winning teammates Gary Stevens - who now lives in Australia - and Ambassador Ian Snodin.
Frank Lampard's side were cheered on by thousands of Blues for the penalty shootout win over Celtic at Accor Stadium and 5-1 triumph against Western Sydney Wanderers at CommBank Stadium. And when they weren't watching the action, many supporters were getting together around the city. Here's a rundown of what took place during a memorable week Down Under...
Special Fans' Brunch Event
James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil were the special guests as Evertonians came together for a special fans’ brunch event in Sydney.
The two summer signings from Burnley met fans from Everton Supporters’ Club Australia (ESCA) and travelling Toffees before answering questions on stage on a wide range of topics including the Club’s ‘incredible’ and passionate fanbase, returning to winning ways when the Premier League resumes after the World Cup, and their time in Australia.
There was also a chance for Blues to hear from Stevens and Snodin as the former Toffees teammates shared memories of playing in Howard Kendall’s brilliant 1980s side.
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Open Training At Accor Stadium
Everton’s First-Team squad held an open training session at Accor Stadium as supporters got to see Blues stars put through their paces some 48 hours prior to their clash with Celtic at the same venue.
As well as the chance to watch the 90-minute session, fans then stayed behind to have their pictures taken with their heroes and get autographs as the entire squad and boss Lampard met Blues from Australia and those who had made the long journey from Britain.
Sydney Boat Cruise
Everton's 1987 title-winning duo Snodin and Stevens joined around 300 Evertonians on a river boat cruise around Sydney.
The event was organised by the Everton Australian Supporters' Club and was a huge success.
Starting off at Sydney Harbour, the craft sailed under the world-famous bridge before circling the coast line.
The boat made two trips and among the guests were Steve and Daniel Larkin, who won Everton's Club competition to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to watch the Blues Down Under.
Celtic Pre-Match Gathering
Hours before Everton got the better of Scottish champions Celtic on penalties, ESCA hosted a pre-match get-together at The Aurora Hotel, conveniently located opposite Central Station.
It was a chance for Blues from all over the globe to interact, have a singsong and share their love of Everton, before many caught a special 'Everton Train' to Accor Stadium to cheer on Lampard's men.
England v Iran: World Cup Watchalong
As well as watching the Blues, there was a chance for Evertonians to show their support for Jordan Pickford as England kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a 6-2 win over Iran.
Gathering at Cheers Sports Bar & Grill, around 150 guests got to hear from Stevens about his time playing for England at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, hearing stories of him taking on Diego Maradona and having Paul Gascoigne as a teammate.
Snodin was a guest once again and, after hearing from the Club Ambassador, it was then on to watching Gareth Southgate's current Three Lions impress in their opening match in Qatar.
Fans Watch Training
Everton completed their final training session in Australia the day before taking on Western Sydney Wanderers, watched by ESCA members and a selection of travelling Toffees.
Once Lampard's squad were put through their paces, it was time for players and staff to mingle with supporters, have a chat and pose for pictures at the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence.
Western Sydney Wanderers Pre-Match Gathering
What a way to end Everton's time Down Under! Hundreds of Blues gathered at The Parramatta Pub - a short distance from the CommBank Stadium - to create a cracking atmosphere ahead of kick-off.
It was then on to the match as the Toffees signed off with an impressive attacking display, a 5-1 victory, and a show of appreciation to the vocal away end to wrap up a memorable week in Australia.
