Central Coast striker Nik Mrdja believes his best form is just around the corner after an encouraging display against Perth Glory in Canberra last Friday night.
Having endured a run of serious knee injuries over the last two seasons, a fit-again Mrdja appeared in fine touch against his former club, using his deft ball skills to set up several Mariners chances in the 2-1 victory.
With extra conditioning behind him, the 30-year-old believes his best is yet to come as he looks forward to playing his first full game in two seasons.
“I actually can’t remember the last time I played 90 minutes,” Mrdja admitted on Wednesday.
“But when the time is right, I’m sure (coach) Lawrie (McKinna) will play me as long as he can.”
“At the moment everything is going well. The knee, touch wood, is just about the best it has ever been, so now it’s just about strengthening.”
“Slowly, as my leg gets stronger, I’ll start to feel better and better on the field.”
“It’s been a long road, but I’m definitely trying to slowly improve and … if I can contribute slightly more every week, it will be a bonus for the team,” he said.
The Mariners were slightly fortunate to come away with the 2-1 win. Despite taking the lead through Alex Wilkinson’s 42nd-minute strike, the club conceded a late penalty to Perth that was steered home by Mile Sterjovski before Matt Simon capitalised on an uncharacteristic error by Glory goalkeeper Tando Velaphi to prod home the winner with a minute remaining.
McKinna said it was just the stroke of luck the club needed at the time, as it had gone three matches without a win, although it had gone close in a 0-0 draw against Sydney where Adam Kwasnik missed a late spot kick.
Mrdja, though, is hopeful the club can now develop some winning momentum as it takes on a struggling Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night.
“I think they are probably the most vulnerable that they have been in a while,” Mrdja said of the ninth-placed Reds, who haven’t won since beating the Glory 1-0 in the opening round.
“So this is a good chance for us to go there and steal the win and come home with three points, which would put us up in the top mix.”
“At the same time, we have to make sure we don’t go there and cop any goals, work hard, work on our shape and I’m sure we’ll come through with the result,” he said.