Cole opened the scoring within the first 90 seconds with a sublime finsh from the edge of the box.

He backed that up with an adventurous, clinical display that harked back to the start of the season when his attacking instincts lit up the sky blues.

Cole says he hopes he can stay in a more attacking role under John Kosmina after gaining a crash course in A-League defending for much of this, his first season in the A-League.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com: "That's where I really want to play after he gave me the chance last week and I thought I did okay and I really supported the boys and it's such a good midfield to be part of.

"I felt very comfortable getting forward in attack and getting on the end of things.

"I feel it's something I can give to the team," he added of his ability to raid forward on the flanks as an attacking defender or wide midfielder.

"And we have a squad which can provide that as well. I've been given the chance and I'm doing my best to make something happen."

As for his goal in the opening minute, the 24-year-old said it was instinct that told him to drop off as Robbie Middleby marauded down the left of the Victory back line.

He said: "I was just kinda floating around the edge of the box and Chook [Robbie Middleby] was held up a bit and couldn't get a cross in so I just dropped off.

"Fortunately I got a good first touch of the ball and picked my spot and it went in."