Talk about making an immediate impact.
Four years in the making, Scott McDonald has finally touched down in Wanderers Football Park, and what an impact he has made.
In just a week, McDonald has trained with the team, made his club debut, and scored the elusive winner in the Sydney Derby last Saturday night.
Not a bad way to start.McDonald returned back to Australia in 2019 after an extensive career overseas which saw him play for clubs like Celtic, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Motherwell.
The Australian journey in 2019 was not what McDonald had originally planned, having received an offer from the Wanderers back in 2018.
“I tried to come to this great club about four years ago while I was at Motherwell,” explained McDonald.
“But unfortunately, that move broke down so I am happy that I’ve finally been able to make the move (to the Wanderers).
“We got here eventually.
“You don’t expect to have three clubs in two years, but this is a club I’ve wanted to come to for a very long time.”
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Those two other clubs in the A-League were most recently Brisbane Roar and tonight’s opponent Western United where McDonald spent just over six months.
The veteran striker will be desperate to continue playing an important role for the Wanderers in what is set to be another do-or-die match for the club.
With every point being vital for any hopes of a Finals Series appearance, McDonald knows exactly what he’s gotten himself into at the back-end of the season.
“Coming to the Wanderers and being with a proven manager, I know what I am coming to,” said McDonald.
“I know the expectations and I’m really excited for the opportunity ahead.
“Firstly, we need to get to the Finals this season, and then we will see what we can do.
“There are leadership qualities I can bring, to the players and to the group, to help the manager on the pitch and deliver what the manager wants.
“I want to lift the place.
“It always happens when you bring someone in, I think it is healthy and hopefully, I can do the business.”
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The first task assigned to McDonald was the Sydney Derby, coming on as a substitute to seal the three points.
McDonald did the business leaving his mark on the game with a powerful header that ended up being the decisive goal in the match.
It couldn’t have been scripted any better for the forward, who had a perfect debut for the club.
“That’s what dreams are made of aren’t they?” said McDonald.
“Obviously these Derbies, I’ve played in many they are always special.
“You always want to put your marker on it and nothing better to get your winner that way.”
With sights now set on a Finals Series there’s no doubt that McDonald will be a crucial piece in head coach Carl Robinson’s puzzle in the week’s to come.
It all starts now against Western United.
