Six months after Andrew Nabbout effectively fell into their lap, Melbourne City are relishing the Socceroo's A-League resurgence.
Nabbout had a difficult season at Melbourne Victory, then officially signed for Perth Glory in September before the deal collapsed - and he joined City later that month.
The 28-year-old won his first game at City but injured his hamstring in the process, but since his return, Nabbout has been at his electrifying best in six consecutive wins - scoring one goal and assisting four more.
Nabbout's first goal came in second-placed City's 4-1 win over Western Sydney on Friday night, leaving coach Patrick Kisnorbo to say the winger was now reaping the rewards of his hard work.
"We just made him run," Kisnorbo said, hinting at the effect of City's gruelling pre-season.
"When we brought Andy in, we knew the qualities that he had and it's just trying to expose everything and (get) the maximum out of him.
"It was a tough pre-season and he's been fantastic ever since.
"Obviously he had a little injury hiccup and that's a part of football but the way he's got back, the way he trained during his injury, it's no surprise to me - and obviously the medical staff - what he's doing now."
Nabbout and Craig Noone swapped flanks at will on Friday against the Wanderers, with the Englishman scoring a brace and setting up Nabbout's goal.
Nabbout himself also had an assist, while Jamie Maclaren landed a late goal.
Maclaren now has 12 goals and four assists to his name, forming a formidable front three alongside Noone (four goals, four assists) and Nabbout (one goal, four assists).
"It's a collective effort," Kisnorbo said.
"They get the accolades because they put the ball in the net but for me, the most important thing is everyone contributing to get in that position."
