10,485 miles.

The distance traveled by Calem Nieuwenhof, from the beaches of Curl Curl on the southeast coast of Australia to Scotland's capital city, six months ago to join Heart of Midlothian from Western Sydney Wanderers. In doing so he uprooted his life as a 22-year-old, wet behind the ears, to experience a new continent, country and culture. Both on and off the pitch.

Sat in the media room after playing a big part in the come-from-behind win over Dundee, still in his Hearts strip and soaked to the bone, he was asked about his first six months at Tynecastle Park. In Scotland.

"Very different to Australia," was the honest and straightforward assessment.

READ MORE: Calem Nieuwenhof Q&A: Hearts adjustment, long-range threat, consistency aim

In his final season at Western Syndey Wanderers, Nieuwenhof developed a knack for long-range efforts. He demonstrated that quality against Dundee, fizzing a daisy cutter into the bottom corner from 25 yards to start the comeback. It was his first goal for the club and his biggest contribution yet, providing the platform for the win.

He has shown glimpses and flashes of what he can bring to the Hearts midfield. Most importantly, Steven Naismith is a fan.

"I think somebody who has taken time to settle, who is progressing and I think will be a really good player is Calem Nieuwenhof," he said. "He is somebody who will take the ball anywhere, wants to take control of the game, can get up and down the pitch. He will be a good player here. He just needs time."

READ MORE: Steven Naismith: Macaulay Tait importance, Scott Fraser update, formation tweak

The Aussie is honest about the change in environment, while he sets his sights on adding even greater consistency to his game while helping Hearts ensure they secure third spot having opened an eight-point lead.

"It’s a very challenging environment, obviously, the football is a super different style. So many players come over here and struggle. I’ve been really happy with Naisy, he has shown a lot of faith in me.

"Just building into my game. Coming from Australia to Scotland, there are a lot of adjustments you have to make because it’s such a physical league, a lot quicker. The six months I've been here, I have slowly adapted and now I want to kick on, keep putting in solid performances and help our team push up the league table."

Nieuwenhof reckons the win over Dundee is "probably the best game I’ve been involved in since I’ve been here". The stormy weather and driving rain provided him with another experience as well.

"It’s a bit new for me and it takes a bit of getting used to," he said. "It was tough out there. It’s hard to play football in that wind and rain, especially against a team like Dundee, who wanted to put us under pressure and not make it much of a football match.

"The first half from us wasn’t good enough and we all knew that. But coming into the changing room we didn't have any option so we just had but we had to put our best foot forward, go out from the get-go and straight on the attack and we responded really well given we were 2-0 down."

When it was put to him that he could put forward his case to be on penalties he turned it down, noting 12 yards is "too close". 

He said: "I prefer long-distance shots!"

READ MORE: Tait class, Lembikisa's big impression and changing the shape: How Hearts beat Dundee

Sometimes Hearts can be guilty of working the ball too much. Naismith lamented that fact in the recent win over The Spartans. In Nieuwenhof, he has a midfielder willing to take a pop. Following Tuesday's goal, it is perhaps something he will be tasked with doing on a more regular basis.

"I’ve been slowly working my way up the field and getting involved in more chances," he said. "I was just really happy to get the space to have a crack and I was glad it went in. It was a good time to get the goal and it gave us plenty of time to push on again. It gave the boys a lot of confidence and ultimately ended up getting the win from there."

Next up is Aberdeen. There is the opportunity to increase the gap to one that could be deemed insurmountable. 

"We are in a really good spot at the moment and we have gone quite a few games unbeaten now and we are finding good form and gelling as a team," Nieuwenhof said. "It will be tough on Saturday against Aberdeen but we are looking forward to it. It is another really important game where if we can get another win, it puts an even bigger gap between and the rest of the pack."