Melbourne City midfielder Stefan Mauk ready for Olyroos duty

STEFAN Mauk will clock on for Olyroos duty in the best shape of his career, but departs lamenting that Melbourne City could only claim a point against Sydney FC.

Stefan Mauk of City celebrates scoring a goal during the round 9 A-League match between the Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City FC at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

MIDFIELDER Stefan Mauk will clock on for Olyroos duty in the best shape of his career, but departs lamenting that Melbourne City could only claim a point.

City drew 2-2 in a chaotic but highly entertaining clash with Sydney FC on Saturday night, with Mauk playing another solid 90 minutes and playing a key role in coach John van’t Schip’s first half reshuffle.

Star trio Aaron Mooy (ribs), Ivan Franjic (corked thigh) and Erik Paartalu (groin) may have played if it was a finals game according to Mauk, but said the result proved City’s depth was improving after they initially struggled to adjust.

City midfielder Jacob Melling has been cleared of serious injury after limping off with 10 minutes to go with a numb ankle, and is a chance to play against Western Sydney.

“We didn’t start the best, those changes late on game day disrupted us and it took a while for us to find our feet,’’ Mauk said.

“Franjic was 50-50 all week and it depended on how he felt on the day, Erik and Aaron Mooy felt something the day before the game and were given until the last minute, but it was decided best to give them a week off.

“If it was a more important game they probably would’ve put their hand up and it would’ve been up to the coaching staff.

“But with a few injuries already and myself leaving (for Olyroos duty) we couldn’t afford to get too many more. It was a smart decision, rather than risking playing them and picking up worse injuries.

“It was frustrating for the players, but a good chance for those who came in and it showed we’ve got a good squad and even with some youth boys we can compete.’’

Mauk again shone in City’s draw with Sydney FC.

Mauk was central to the switch from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2, as he shifted from wide right to a preferred central midfield role alongside Melling with teen debutant Alu Eyigun sacrificed for Michael Zullo after 34 minutes.

“After the tactical change we looked a bit more settled, but it wasn’t what we expected or wanted after the Brisbane loss,’’ he said.

“With the way Sydney played their wingers got really high, and this way our wingbacks could cover their fullbacks and myself and Jacob in the middle looked to be quite solid defensively

“The first 30 they were all over us and really dominated. We just needed to get our foot on the ball an regain control.’’

Mauk departs for Olyroos duty having secured a spot in City’s first XI and was confident of playing a role for Aurelio Vidmar’s side in their decisive Rio 2016 qualifiers in Qatar.

“I’m in the best shape of my career, very fit, now it’s about going in there and getting used to playing and hopefully securing a starting spot,’’ Mauk said.

“This has been a very good year for me, a bit of a breakout year. My body’s matured a lot and feel I’m ready to play 90 and against grown men.

“It’s a good test, where a lot of the Asian countries are physical and looking to dominate.’’

Originally published as Melbourne City midfielder Stefan Mauk ready for Olyroos duty