Santalab is currently joint second with four goals so far this A-League season with Andy Keogh, Besart Berisha and Marco Rojas.

And while the Wanderers have failed to keep a clean sheet in A-League season 2016/17 however Neville highlighted the positives were in the front third.

“(Santalab) A natural goal scorer, he’d tackle his own mum for a goal, that’s what he loves. He’s not happy unless he’s scoring goals,” Neville said.

“Even at training you see him slide in to score a tap in and he’ll run off and celebrate. He’s just a fiery player we need and love having around, he’s a great character.

“We’ve got some livewires going forward with Jumpei (Kusukami) and Nico (Martinez), then you got Santalab scoring goals and Mitch (Nichols) creating them. Those four are creating a good partnership up top there, hopefully it can continue and blossom.”

The Wanderers upcoming opponents Melbourne Victory have had a similar start to the season with lapses of lost concentration punished by the opposition.

While both clubs hold the most members in the A-League, Neville said travelling to Etihad Stadium was beneficial as it was difficult to hear the home fans in the dome.

According to Neville, mental focus was a key aspect which was worked on in training this week.

“At the moment we’re switching off for five – 10 minutes and we’re getting punished in those areas, so that’s something we’ve got to address,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s something we’re putting a lot of work into (defensive structure) seeing as Popa (coach Tony Popovic) strives on a good defensive base, so that’s something we work hard on all pre-season.

“At the moment we’re conceding sloppy goals, so that’s something we need to tighten up on as a team and as a back four and that’ll come.