In two seasons with the Roar van Dijk racked up a tally of 24 goals, along the way becoming the club's first ever hat-trick scorer, but amid the upheaval in Brisbane at the end of the 2009/10 season the Dutchman lost confidence and shipped out for Adelaide.

Postecoglou was vocal about his desire to keep van Dijk on Brisbane's books when the club was still in the running to renew his services. Now, with his former star-pupil returning in opposition with competition-leading Adelaide, the Roar coach has a lot less to say.

"We don't talk about players from other teams," Postecoglou said.

"There's a fascination from other people about it, but at the end of the day he's an Adelaide player and he's pretty happy there."

"I'm rapt for him if he's happy there, and we're happy here so that's it."

"You don't like to see any player get a bad reception, but our supporters will cheer our players and want us to win - I'd be very surprised if they're looking for Sergio to put one in the back of the net."

Both sides have shown real improvement in the early stages of this season, but their efficiency in attack could not be in greater contrast.

In five matches so far the Roar have a grand total of two goals. In their six games, Adelaide United have hit the back of the net 12 times, with van Dijk and Matthew Leckie racking up individual totals of two and three respectively..

This season the Roar have been able to control possession and create chances from good field position. Their defence went unbreached for over 400 minutes to start the year with four consecutive clean-sheets.

But, as fated by Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert earlier this season, the inability to convert opportunities is becoming of increasing concern and despite sitting comfortably mid-table, their two-goal tally stands out as the equal lowest in the A-League

Postecoglou, however, remains upbeat , adamant that the Roar are playing good enough football to be winning games, and that as front-men Reinaldo and Jean Carlos Solorzano come into match fitness the stage is set for a breakthrough performance against Adelaide.

"Reinaldo's fully fit, so we're hoping he takes it to another level and we know he's really keen," he said.

"Solorzano will get another opportunity and he's raring to go".

"In every game we've played we've pretty much controlled possession, so we'll try to do the same against Adelaide on Saturday night."