There are a number of hotbeds of Chelsea supporters all over the planet where the unfavourable time difference to the UK can mean matches are played at some pretty unsociable hours.

The Famous CFC is paying back some of those nocturnal Blues fans by bringing Chelsea to them, wherever they may be. After the success of last season’s programme, the first of seven stops along the route for the current campaign took us to Perth, Australia, in partnership with Coors.

As well as linking up with the local supporters’ club, fans were invited to a special event in the city, alongside former Chelsea goalkeeper and Australian legend Mark Schwarzer – who greeted those in the VIP area personally.

Perth-based Sharnye and Reegan said: ‘I think Chelsea really bring together their fans around the world. We all experience those emotions together no matter where we're located.

‘When you're living on the opposite side of the world, you're on an opposite schedule to everyone else. It's very difficult, but the ecstasy of the wins, the pain of the losses, it's what we live for. It's the only thing we live for.’

Those attending had the chance get their photo taken with the Premier League trophy, enjoy a Q&A on stage with Schwarzer and win signed shirts and memorabilia, in addition to watching Chelsea’s Women’s Super League match against London City Lionesses live.

The early kick-off at Stamford Bridge meant that game began at a relatively civil 8pm local time in Perth, and the Aussie Blues were delighted as two homegrown internationals led the way in west London. First Ellie Carpenter opened the scoring with her first goal for the club, before Sam Kerr completed the 2-0 victory with a stunning lob.

If only every game was so accommodating for our fans down under. Unfortunately, the 3am-4am local-time start required for midweek games is more common, not that the Blues supporters in Perth would dream of doing anything else.

‘I love the lifestyle here, but I miss Chelsea, something chronic,’ explained John, originally from England but now living in Perth. ‘You know, it's probably what I miss most about home.

‘Whether Chelsea win or lose, either way I'm not getting any sleep. The older you get, the harder it is to push through the day afterwards, but you're not going to sleep anyway. You go to bed and wonder how Chelsea are getting on. You might as well just get up and watch the game.

‘But watching it live, you feel the immediacy of it. When the fans are going crazy in the stadium, you're going crazy in your living room. It's not quite the same, there's not always someone to hug other than your dog. I'm there in spirit. If I can't be at the Bridge, I'm going to be there to watch the team live.’

We can’t do much about the time difference on the other side of the globe from Stamford Bridge, but we can show those supporters around the world how much their dedication is appreciated by everyone back in London, and the Famous CFC’s 2025/26 programme has only just begun.