And it was great to repay the patience of the coaching staff and teammates at an important time. 

In recent times I’d picked up the reputation as a ‘super sub’ when playing at the Wanderers, but during my career, I’ve had more success and score more often as a starting player.

It was a big move to Perth to join the Glory this season after so long with Western Sydney – and I’ve had to be patient to be fully fit and with such a talented squad around me. 

So to have a valuable hour of game time under my belt and to score and make it 3-nil just before half-time, against Sydney FC, one of our biggest rivals, was a nice moment. 

The third goal before the break made it hard to Sydney to get back into the contest in the second half, although we’ve already addressed the goal we conceded as the game finished 3-1. 

But beating Sydney and with Melbourne Victory slipping at Adelaide, it’s given us a bit of breathing space at the top of the ladder again. 

Not that we’ve got any time to rest. It was a big day of recovery on Thursday, as we reviewed the Sydney FC win and turned our focus to Sunday’s clash with the Wanderers in Perth.

I’m really looking forward to playing against my former club, though of course it will depend on how we will setup, given we have two games in four days. The Wanderers will always hold a special place in my heart. 

I still have friends in the squad, we had great success, including the Asian Champions League crown, and I will always appreciate the support the passionate Western Sydney fans gave me since coming to the club in 2013. 

But the focus will be on helping the Glory continue the great start to the season. 

The best part about this group is the depth of the squad and being able contribute. On Wednesday it was Joel Chianese and myself, last week it was Neil Kilkenny and Andy Keogh, as the Glory came back from two goals down against Brisbane. 

And we’ll get Chris Ikonomidis back as well after the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign.

So as much as I hope there are personally many more goals for the Glory, I’m really enjoying what we’re trying to create. 

Round 13

Sunday (8pm)

PERTH GLORY v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

TV: Live on Fox Sports 505

Ladder: PERTH GLORY 29, MELBOURNE VICTORY 23, SYDNEY FC 23, MELBOURNE CITY** 20, ADELAIDE UNITED 19, WELLINGTON PHOENIX 19, Newcastle Jets 12, Western Sydney Wanderers 9, Brisbane Roar 7, Central Coast Mariners** 2. **Game in hand.