Perth striker Shane Smeltz has praised the recent impact of Mile Sterjovski, saying the former Socceroo’s rich vein of form has played a key role in the Glory’s six-game unbeaten run.

Sterjovski was at his rampaging best against Melbourne Victory on Sunday, setting up a goal for Smeltz and scoring one himself from the penalty spot to help lift Perth to a crushing 4-1 triumph.

Smeltz ended the match with a brace to his name to take his season tally to eight goals.

But the New Zealand international heaped much of the credit on Sterjovski, who started the season in Glory’s Youth League ranks before re-establishing himself as one of the club’s most important players.

“He was on fire,” Smeltz said of Sterjovski’s performance against Melbourne – probably one of his best games.

“If we can get more out of him like that, we’ll be dangerous.

“He can supply it and score goals as well. He’s been fantastic the last few weeks.”

The Glory are just one point adrift of fourth spot, and Smeltz was confident the team could continue its good form into the tail end of the season.

“If you look at the table, it’s tight. Apart from Central Coast, everyone’s in it,” Smeltz said.

“You can see we’ve turned the corner and things are improving.

“That’s the best performance we’ve had so, if we can build on that, there are some good signs to come.

“I just think we’re gelling a bit better now.

“The confidence is better from everyone.

“The more supply we get like that, we can score more goals.”

Perth’s resolve will be put to the test on Sunday when they travel to Hindmarsh Stadium to take on eighth-placed Adelaide, who were unlucky not to secure at least a point in last week’s 3-2 loss to ladder leaders Central Coast.