Ben Waine is no longer an unknown quantity, but he's ready to embrace the pressure that comes with being a marked man in the A-League.
The 20-year-old Wellington Phoenix striker was a revelation in the 2020-21 campaign, moving from the fringes of the squad to front and centre.
His form– and goalscoring ability – was a key factor in his side's late-season surge, where an 11-game unbeaten run catapulted the Phoenix into playoff contention.
It was a dizzying time for the local product, who had managed a total of 92 minutes across the 2018-19 campaign.
He got more time in Ufuk Talay's first season (207 minutes), but was still restricted to cameos off the bench, with just one start. He notched his first goal, but only once appeared for more than 30 minutes.
Everything changed last season. Waine featured in all but four games, with 14 starts. At one point he scored in four consecutive matches - only the fourth Phoenix player to achieve that milestone - in the space of 15 days.
It was remarkable, especially as he was still a teenager. But it means Waine will be closely monitored this season, starting against Macarthur on Sunday (8.45pm NZT), as opposing teams are much more aware of his threat.
"For me, it's about sticking to the basics," Waine told the Herald on Sunday. "Sticking to what we do as a team and the processes that we follow is going to be really important.
"Even if maybe there is a bit of added attention to what I'm doing on the field, maybe that's taking attention away from another player, which makes him more likely to help the team."
Waine doesn't want to dwell too much on last season, but admits it was special. Only 11 players managed more than his tally of seven A-League goals and no one had a better strike rate in terms of shots (21) or shots on target (8).
"Everything happened very quickly last season," said Waine. "I can take confidence from what happened, but it's in the past now.
"People are gonna forget about that, so you need to take it to the next level and try and prove yourself again.
"So I'm just trying to continue that momentum. It's full focus on being able to do whatever I can for the for the team; if that's running my arse off for 90 minutes in a game or scoring a goal, setting up a goal, whatever, I'm happy to do that."
Waine's breakthrough season was capped off at the Tokyo Olympics, part of the New Zealand team who reached the quarter-finals.
"It was incredible," said Waine. "I'd say it was a dream come true. But I never really dreamed of being able to go to an Olympics for some reason, so that was really special."
Waine capped his rise to prominence with a trip to the Olympics. Photo / Getty
Waine appeared in three games - starting in the quarter-final clash with Japan – and soaked up every moment, especially the chance to learn from Burnley striker Chris Wood.
"It was cool seeing how down to earth he was for somebody who is at the top level of the game," said Waine. "I learnt a lot, on and off the field; just how clinical he is in front of goal, that was quite impressive to see."
Waine has had a solid pre-season, getting plenty of game time and is feeling sharp and strong, after hard work in the gym.
"Building up to last season was all about putting on muscle but I'm at a good weight now so it is just about maintaining it and becoming more powerful," he said.
The Phoenix squad is one of the youngest in their history (average age 24) and without the influence of former captains Ulises Davila and Steven Taylor, as well as key midfielder Cameron Devlin and Israeli striker Tomer Hemed.
"People notice how young the team is but we've got experienced names in the changing room who are going to steer us in a good direction," said Waine. "They will add to the energy that this young squad has."
Mexican Davila was the creative heartbeat for the past two campaigns but will be in the opposition on Sunday, after taking up a lucrative contract with Macarthur.
"I love Uli, he was amazing for the past couple of seasons and looked after me and Sutts (Sam Sutton) really well last year," Waine said. "Of course I'm gutted that he is not with us anymore but that's football and I can't wait to play against him."
The Phoenix faced a late logistical change, with Sunday's match moved from south-west Sydney to Newcastle after concerns over the state of the pitch at Campbelltown Stadium, with the kick-off time also pushed back by 30 minutes.
