The striker earned goal-of-the-season honours for his strike against Adelaide United last season but the prize he really craves is first team football.

Santalab will have to fight his way past John Aloisi and Mark Bridge for an attacking role but he will be happy to perform anywhere on the park.

The 25-year-old said: "Pre-season is going really well. It's been pretty intense but with a lot of variety.

"We've had swimming, boxing and yoga sessions. It's really been mixed up for us and fitness levels are good."

Santalab said it is a refreshing change from pre-season last season.

He said: "Sydney had been in the Champions League, players were coming in and there was only a month for the staff to try and get the players to the required levels.

"It's very different this time and I think we'll benefit from that extra preparation. Kossie has brought in some great signings and the team spirit is excellent.

"Last year was very up and down. There was a lot of change and instability. It made it difficult for the players. There will be no excuses this season."

Santalab is confident Sydney FC as a club can succeed and he desperately wants a bigger part in proceedings.

He said: "I'm working hard and while I see myself as a striker I'll be happy if I'm playing. It's about getting your chance and then performing to a consistent level.

"It's the players that perform consistently that tend to be noticed and fix themselves up with moves to Europe."

Santalab is looking forward not back but admits he still gets a warm glow when he thinks about his goal-of-the-season strike at Adelaide Oval back in December.

He said: "I was very, very happy with that and it came at a time when we really needed it. Hopefully, there'll be a few more highlights for me this season though."

A quadricep niggle is likely to see Santalab miss out on Sydney FC's friendly at Blacktown City Demons tonight.