THE MAN everyone loves to hate has brought home the bacon at last for the battling Reds.

Kristian Sarkies played his best game in an Adelaide shirt against Perth Glory and capped it with a well-taken goal to give Adelaide a precious three points in a fixture that had “banana-peel” written all over it.

Some will say that Sarkies was gifted the goal by a generous Harnwell pass - and the Glory midfield standing and watching - as Kristian stood alone in the middle of the box and slotted home.

There’s some truth in that, but remember Dadi (doing his best John Aloisi impersonation) managed to butcher two far easier chances – and he’s a striker. You get the chances that come your way and Sarkies put his chance away with aplomb.

Over the last year or so Sarkies has rivalled Robbie Cornthwaite as the player most disrespected (I’m choosing a nice word here) by Adelaide fans. His “set-piece specialist” tag has become a worn joke. His “great potential” report card has turned into a “must try harder”.

He has seemed lazy, slow and disinterested in a team that has been overachieving all year. Calls for his culling have been gaining volume and only a certain Mr Vidmar still seemed to believe. A certain Mr Vidmar...

Viddie obviously believes that Sarkies might make it. With rumours saying Diego is on his way then he seems to be asking Kristian if he’s ready to take his place. Bit by bit, Kristian seems to be saying “yes”.

Now, I’m not convinced yet but if you’d asked most Adelaide fans (not me, I was always a believer) whether Cornthwaite would take Costanzo’s spot away from him by mid-season most would have laughed. Or hit you. But Viddie trusts Cornflakes and what was unthinkable has happened. Proof that Viddie looks at what works.

Mullen has been trusted to fill right-back. Alemao, who was to fill that spot, has to wait on bit parts. Cassio was moved to left midfield because it worked and allowed Jamo to take left back. Barbiero has quietly slotted into midfield and continues to improve. Even Younis has been given a chance to show he’s capable – and he just might be too.

There’s something amazing about showing players trust even when they’re under-performing. That’s something Kosmina and Farina, the great blamers, could learn about. Allowing players to believe in themselves garners results.

Harry Redknapp is the greatest exponent of this. Happy Harry makes players feel good about themselves and it means he gets more out of them. Pity he’s no tactician. Viddie seems to be learning the art of building a team – and he’s learning how to change things around when he needs to.

So, the next game beckons and I’d be betting Kristian gets another start. Could it be that the trust he’s being given will actually make him into the player so many of the “experts” believe he could be? Maybe. All I know is that if he can’t do it with the backing he’s getting from Viddie then he can’t do it. I’m praying Viddie’s right this time too.

We all love Sarkies this week. Let’s just hope it’s the beginning of something beautiful.

Save of the Season!
Lest anyone thinks I’ve forgotten that is wasn’t just the Sarkies goal that won us the game in Perth I want to put on record that Eugene’s save from Harwell’s header is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

Unbelievable reflexes, strong hands and managing to save a ball that was behind him. If he isn’t the best keeper in the league then I’d love to know who is. Should get a Socceroos call-up, at least as back-up.