Duke disappointed despite wonder goal

Western Sydney Wanderers attacker Mitch Duke remains frustrated with his output since returning to the A-League despite scoring a contender for goal of the season.

The former Wanderers captain left the club at the end of last season to join Saudi outfit Al-Taawoun.

However, Duke returned on loan to Western Sydney in February and has mixed feelings about his contribution in the five appearances he has made in his latest A-League stint.

The highlight has undoubtedly been his cracking volley in the Wanderers’ thrilling 4-3 home win over Wellington Phoenix last Monday night.

But the 30-year-old forward has expected more from himself.

I’m a little bit disappointed that I’m probably a little bit slower than what I thought I would be (to get) back to full fitness,” Duke said ahead of the Wanderers’ battle with Perth Glory at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.

“I’m yet to play out a full 90-minute game. Again I had to ask to come off (against the Phoenix).

“I’m quite disappointed about my level yet, but I’ll keep working hard in training to try to get to that 90-minute fitness.

“Hopefully, I’m not too far away from getting a full game under my belt.”

.@RobbieSlater17 has taken judging responsibilities for #GOTW this week, giving the award to @mitchduke8 ?#ALeague#WSWpic.twitter.com/MigRWbuSxF

As for his wonder goal against the Phoenix, Duke said he was “lucky enough that it just all worked out perfectly and hit the back of the net”.

“Those can always go anywhere to be fair. Give me 10 of those in training, they could end up in row Z, on the M7 (highway) … (but) technically wise, it was one of my best for sure.”

Duke said working under Wanderers coach Carl Robinson and his assistant Kenny Miller – who were poached from Newcastle in the off-season – had been “amazing”.

“There’s definitely a difference of mentality, a big shift in that, and the intensity in training and things like that have been at another level from last season,” he said.

“The players are completely on-board.”

Back-to-back wins have lifted the Wanderers to second on the ladder, but conceding early goals has been a problem this season.

“We keep building mountains to climb,” Duke said.

“We need to punish teams earlier and first. If we can do that, we seem to be finishing second halves strong.

“We’ve got two (wins in a row) now and we just look to Perth on Friday, and then we focus on the next one after that. It’s just about getting those wins, especially at home.”

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