Harry Ngata: Ifill - a handful for defenders

Paul Ifill. Photo / Getty Images

Cast your mind back a couple of years when all thought the castle would fall with the departure of Shane Smeltz.

Many were puzzled (myself included) as to why the club were not able to hold on to their most prized asset. Goals were a premium with Smeltz. Clinical to put it in one word.

Once the dust had settled and Smeltz was on his way to the Gold Coast the brain storming began as to where the goals were going to come from.

The club were going to have to invest and reasonably heavily in my opinion to fill his boots. Replacing him from within the A League was going to be extremely difficult for a number of reasons. The likes of Archie Thompson and Sergio van Dijk were all spoken for and would command marquee dollars.

To be honest I had never heard of Paul Ifill. Like many in the game google was my friend and without seeing the guy play judgment would be reserved.

Fast forward eighteen months and he has become one of the most feared attacking weapons in the league. Ricki Herbert admits that there is none in the league that can contain him. A comment supported by his peers, media and public opinion.

His ability to turn a game when those around him are searching for inspiration is second to none. I think he is much more suited to that free role ala Jason Culina or Carlos Hernandez. Roaming from side to side with ball at feet, running at defenders turning them inside out not to mention putting the shivers up goal keepers when within firing range are tools to his game that raise bums off seats when he's in full flight.

He is the creative spark that all teams need but like all truly attack minded players he needs the supporting cast close by. Chris Greenacre is the perfect foil when he plays as the highest striker with Ifill and Bertos either side.

Thirteen goals in his debut season was a very tidy return. He shone like a beacon at the Cake Tin and was the catalyst for their remarkable run into the finals series. Season 2009/2010 was one to remember. Yellow Fever had a new hero.

Season 2010/2011 has been more of a challenge for Ifill and co and for that matter the entire club. He admitted himself that his early form had been disappointing and far below personal expectation. A baron six game spell in front of goal followed an early season four goal haul which left all perplexed and contemplating a prickly patch of performances.

Unable to win on the road, back to back defeats at Westpac Stadium and suddenly the club were on the front pages for the wrong reasons.

To their credit they dealt with it and moved on. This was echoed on the park. You can't dwell on things too much. You can get caught up in too many what if and if only scenarios that shift the focus away from the here and now. Getting points on a weekly basis is all that matters.

Recently against the two Melbourne teams he proved his worth again firing goals to sink Melbourne hearts. The difference he was...yet again. When he is on song it's like a sweet symphony. Let's hope his chart topping goals can continue.