The scoreboard gives that impression but the first half against the Jets was actually really good. There are periods in any game you won't dominate - the amount of possession we are keeping will make other teams tired.
What is the Ernie Merrick way?
He promotes an attractive brand of football. Friends from Australia say how good we are to watch this year, which hasn't been the case for the Phoenix in previous years. It's hard to sum up but as you've seen, he isn't happy defending one-goal leads.
Compared to many A-League coaches, he cuts a kindly figure on the sideline ...
Don't let that fool you - he's a tough guy. He is very calm on game day because if you do the work during the week, you shouldn't be yelling on the weekend. But I can assure you we get a spray here and there.
You were brought up in country New South Wales ...
in Blayney, population 3000, near Bathurst. At 14, I got selected for New South Wales and left my family for a football scholarship at a Sydney school. From that stage, I took my football very seriously. Looking back, I did it pretty tough - it was a huge decision for a kid from the country. I was billeted and did things that most kids don't do, like making my own lunch, the ironing ... it helped me mature quickly.
Is this your best goalscoring run?
I've never had a role as a striker before - I was a midfielder-slash-winger. It is difficult to carry the responsibility of scoring goals when you are young ... one reason I came here is because Ernie wanted to give me a more attacking role.
You've played for Greek and Korean clubs, trialled in Japan ...
Greece was an amazing experience, getting to know different people and cultures. Being a footballer in Europe is a bit like being an All Black in New Zealand. I was injured in Korea and it didn't quite work out but I had a great time and loved the culture. The discipline in Korea and Japan is amazing, the respect they show to elders. It would be good to see more of it in Western society.
The Phoenix are known for speed - who is quickest in training drills?
Probably Tyler Boyd and Roy Krishna. Apparently Michael Boxall is quite fast for a big man. I'd be up around there - my first couple of steps are fast, but over 40m others would pull me back. A guy like Roly [Bonevacia] is sharp over the first five or 10m which is most important.
The toughest defender you've played against is ...
Ah, there are a few ... oh yes, Kevin Muscat. Definitely. When I was starting out, he took me out several times, physically and mentally. Musky was No1. He knew what to say, when to kick you, when to talk to the ref, told you what was coming next. He was the king of the A-League and everyone knows that. At the time, I hated him. He'd say "Bernsy, next tackle I'm going to smash you."
Boyhood heroes?
Harry Kewell, David Beckham and [Brazil's] Ronaldo. Harry was massive in Australia, playing for Liverpool, winning the Champions League. He was always a standout when he played for Australia. No question, he was a step above, the best player ever for Australia.
Your hobbies?
I loved water skiing growing up ... but they'll rip up my contract if I get injured. We're not allowed to skate board, own a motorbike - that stuff is written into our contracts.
Your personality is ...
Easygoing. I'm not really fussed by too much. This is an emotional job so you can't be too emotional all the time. I've pretty much had to rebuild my career after Korea. You've got to stay calm, otherwise the highs and lows are too tough. I keep a level head.
Career highlight?
Coming on for the national team at the age of 19. Mark Viduka gave me the captain's armband, and I ran over and gave it to Harry Kewell.
