Halfway through his second season with Southern United, the 26-year-old has big aspirations for the club.
One of five Irishmen to arrive in October 2016, Last has been reliable in an increasingly solid defensive line.
He will captain the side against Eastern Suburbs today in the absence of Conor O’Keeffe who misses his first game, after 27 in a row, through suspension.
While picking up points from that game is his primary focus, there is something bigger at play that is not lost on him.
"The plan is to stay on," he said when asked of his plans for the future.
"I think let’s try to build something special.
"Southern has a great catchment area, the people in Otago love their football, they’re very passionate about it.
"We’ve had these discussions as players as well; let’s build something special."
Originally from Dublin, Last transferred to Southern from the Wexford Youths club, now Wexford FC, in the Irish Premier League.
Before that, he had played for the Bray Wanderers.
Dublin may seem a world away from Dunedin, although Last said it was not too different.He was enjoying his time in the South, split between the city and South Canterbury, where he worked as a football development officer.
That kept him busy, which had helped the move go more smoothly.
"Not really," he said when asked if he got homesick.
"Some parts, some days you do feel a bit lonely, but most of the parts you’re busy with the lads over here and you’re training.
"So you don’t get too homesick. ‘‘Don’t get me wrong, you do miss your family and your friends.
"But other than that it’s brilliant over here. You don’t get too homesick.
"You keep yourself busy and you’re happy, so that’s the main thing. Once you’re happy you’ll be OK."
He felt the team was moving in the right direction and had been performing well.
The team unity was strong, which was helping in the grit and determination it was showing, particularly on defence.
He praised the quality of newcomers such as Kristian Gibson and Tom Connor, which also enabled O’Keeffe to push back out to his best position at right back.
Having held top-of-the-table Team Wellington to a goalless draw in the last game before Christmas, he is hoping for another strong performance today. However, he knows it will be tough against the third-placed Eastern Suburbs team.
Southern United v Eastern Suburbs
Bill McKinlay Park, today, 2pm
Southern United: Liam Little, Tom Stevens, Stephen Last (c), Kristian Gibson, Hamish Cotter, Tom Connor, Roland Bala, Jared Grove, Danny Ledwith, Garbhan Coughlan, Andy Ridden, Omar Guardiola, Tim McLennan, Danny Furlong, Michael Hogan.
Eastern Suburbs (from): Silvio Rodic, Finn Cochran, Ryan Elder, Brock Messenger, Reese Cox, Jordan Vale, Tim Payne, Moses Dyer, Andre de Jong, Ben Thomas, Hayden Johns, Rossi Nkoy, Harry Redwood, Tristan Prattley, Nicolas Zambrano, Derek Tieku, Zac Speedy.
