He's scored nine goals in six A-League matches so far this season, but Smeltz will have his work cut out against the league's most frugal defensive line thus far, according to Mariners' central defender Boogaard.
 
"He's one of the form strikers in the competition, he's obviously shown that on the scoring chart. If I can prove myself against him, then I know I'm in good stead for the season, and if we can keep (Jason) Culina quiet as well, hopefully we can go a long way towards beating them," said Boogaard.
 
"I always wanted to get back into the middle and play centre half, and control that position there.
 
"I do enjoy that a lot more, the physical battle with the striker and things like that. It's all going to plan at the moment, but I can't rest on my laurels, I know I've still got a lot more to improve on and hopefully I'll get there by the end of the season."
 
The Mariners have conceded just four goals in the opening six rounds of the league, and Boogaard is confident that defensive resilience can continue this Saturday against a Gold Coast side, which has netted 14 times, making them the A-League's most potent attacking force.
 
"The boys know the Gold Coast is probably the benchmark so far this season, and to knock them off would really show our intent for the season," said Boogaard. "The boys are pretty confident that there isn't a team in the comp we can't beat on our day, so it's just a case of rectifying a few things that went wrong on the weekend and getting things going in the right direction again."

This isn't the first time the two sides have met. They drew in a 2-2 at Skilled Park during pre-season.
 
"In the pre-season game we played really well, it was probably one of the better pre-season games we played.
 
"We probably should have got more out of the game, but to know that we can compete like that against them is comforting to know, and the boys are going into this weekend very confident," said Boogaard.
 
Victory on Saturday night could send the Mariners to within two points of the Gold Coast, and the competition lead.
 
"I think any team is there for the taking, and they have been a bit vulnerable over the last two weeks, on the weekend they just got away with a draw, so I think it's a good time to be playing them.
 
"The boys are very confident we can do well against them, and if we can nullify a few of their key threats, then we'll do alright," Boogaard said.
 
The match is the Mariners 100th A-League match, while Lawrie McKinna becomes the first coach in the history of the competition to reach the landmark three figures.
 
Boogaard added: "The league has come a long way, and the club has come a long way, and hopefully this weekend the crowd comes out and supports us, because it's going to be a cracking game.
 
"I've been here since the start and Lawrie has shown faith in me. It's good to have watched the club grow and the support gain, and hopefully that support is there for us again on Saturday night."