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No one stands to benefit more from Marc Janko’s Sydney FC departure this A-League season than Shane Smeltz.
But the talented Kiwi striker, who did his time in the shadows of the record Austrian goalscorer, remains admirably steadfast in his team-comes-first attitude as the Sky Blues prepare to kick off their season against Melbourne City on Saturday.
The second-highest scorer in A-League history with 85 goals, Smeltz is the owner of a right foot any manager would be ecstatic to have on their books.
Yet the new joint vice-captain started only nine matches in 2014/15 due to Janko’s sizzling form and 16 goals – the most in the league and best ever for the club in a single season.
Smeltz’s eight from 21 appearances were therefore even more impressive, and with Janko now in Switzerland playing for FC Basel his chance has finally arrived.
The 34-year-old will likely lead the front line at Allianz Stadium as he sets his sights on becoming the first A-League player to reach the 100-goal milestone – before current leader Archie Thompson (89) does.
“At some point that would be nice,” said Smeltz, who already has eight pre-season goals under his belt from five matches.
“(But) I’m not focusing on that. I’m focusing on this weekend, that’s it. We’re hungry for this weekend.”
That first weekend means Sydney’s new attacking combination featuring Serbian playmaker Milos Ninkovic and Slovakian marquee Filip Holosko will face City’s superbly assembled and hugely resourceful – albeit depleted – outfit.
Injuries have slashed John Van `t Schip’s stocks, with hot new signings Ivan Franjic (quad) and Corey Gameiro (knee) among the eight ruled out.
Coach Graham Arnold will be hoping star midfielder Aaron Mooy can’t back up from Socceroos duties, and his charges can get off to a winning start after carrying the mental weight of a grand final loss on their shoulders all pre-season.
“It’s a big motivation for the season,” Smeltz said.
“We’ve got boys in the room that have already said that’s part of the reason why possibly they’ve stayed at the club – it tells you that it definitely hurts.
“We want to do well this season and get a good start.”
STATS THAT MATTER:
* Sydney FC won just one point from their two A-League home games with Melbourne City last season, including finals matches
* Since the start of 2012, City have won just six of their 48 away games
* Melbourne City averaged 11.4 shots per game last season, more than any other side
* New City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen kept 107 clean sheets in the English Premier League
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