With two match-winning goals and a string of good performances under his belt, Petrovski looks to be at the top of the list when A-League players cast their first round of votes for the Warren Medal next week.

But Sasho is keen to point out the Mariners' success so far this season comes from the team and not any one player.

“I’m happy with my form but I think all the ingredients are there in this team,” says the twice capped Socceroo star. “At the back we’re doing so well – we broke a 21-year record with not conceding a goal in the opening five rounds of the season. Danny [Vukovic] has been doing much so far this year!

“The midfield has been doing a big part of our defensive work and supplying the balls for us up front to allow us to score and win matches.

“I think the key is the Mariners team is well balanced – we all focus on our individual tasks within the team and when that works everything falls into place. Every player has a job to do in their position and everyone is doing it well.”

As well as the Mariners getting off to a flyer, Petrovski also credits playing early in the week for the gap they’ve built at the top of the table.

“Having our games on the Friday night has helped as you get those three points early on in the round and then sit back and relax for the rest of the weekend as the other teams slug it out.

“I also think it’s helped that other teams have been drawing most of their games and we’ve gathered some momentum with our wins that have allowed us to get some space between us and the other teams,” he added.

And while winning the Warren Medal would be an great honour for the 32 year-old former Sydney FC frontman, it’s being top of the pile come February which is Sasho’s priority.

“You set goals for yourself to have a successful year but mostly it’s about being in a team that is winning and as long as the team is winning, then the individual prizes are a bonus,” he added.

“If you’re in a team that’s at the top of the table then people are going to look at you and think that you must be doing something right. I don’t play for awards – for me first past the post and an A-League title is always going to be more important. That’s my goal.”

Petrovski was speaking at the launch of a new football fashion label Stobi, of which he is an ambassador. The clothing line, which features Sasho’s shirt number 22 on many of the garments, is for the fashion-conscious football fan and a range of products are available at www.stobi.com.au

“Stobi is a totally different experience away from football and the guys who set up the company have given me the opportunity to become involved in something really exciting. And I’m not just involved as a ‘face’ – the guys have followed me throughout my career and we’re going to be working very hard at grass roots level so we’re known as a fashion football brand.”