Adelaide United returned to Hyundai A-League action and maintained top spot with a 1-0 win over Perth Glory on Boxing Day, and are feeling as fresh as possible after a hectic schedule.
Adelaide spent two weeks in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup in between its December 5 thumping of Wellington and 1-0 win at Members Equity Stadium and despite the heavy schedule is on track to finish on top of the ladder.
After the Boxing Day victory in Perth, captain Travis Dodd didn't hide from the fact that the travel has left them tired, but the staff at the club has been brilliant.
"There's no doubt it has been tough but a lot of credit must go to the club for the medical staff, recoveries and treatment that we are getting to be close to 100 per cent each week," Dodd said.
"It has been tiring, but we are in a great position on the ladder, have another three points and have hopefully set ourselves up for a good January period to finish the season off well."
Coach Aurelio Vidmar also paid tribute to those staff making sure the players are as fit as possible and the only injury concerns at the moment are in the form of Scott Jamieson, Diego and Lucas Pantelis.
Things don't get easier for Adelaide, though, with a big game against Sydney FC at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, Melbourne at Telstra Dome the following Tuesday and then Newcastle at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.
"Scott Jamieson got a nasty knock on the hip and generally he's a tough boy who doesn't want to miss time at training or games. For him to come out he was hurting and we will assess him, and everyone else, over the next couple of days," Vidmar said.
"We will give the boys a couple of days off when we are back in Adelaide and then get back in on Tuesday and assess things. To get to this stage of the season with all the games and travel that we've had, the medical staff and physios are working overtime, and it's a credit to them."
"They are really anal about icing, making sure they don’t go out and recovering properly. When they do that, and the players respond, it gives them every opportunity to be as fresh as possible on any given day. We've been doing that throughout the season and that will continue."
Vidmar was delighted to regain top spot with the win over Perth and was happy with all his players, with Kristian Sarkies' goal and Eugene Galekovic's brilliant late saves the standouts.
"It's never easy coming here, so to get the three points showed that we are serious about where we want to go as a football club. Everyone really rallied and that was the most encouraging signs," Vidmar said.
"There were a lot of fantastic performers and when needed, Eugene did a fantastic job and that was a great save right at the end from Jamie's header. Everyone really rolled up their sleeves and that's the type of game it was."