Wellington coach Ernie Merrick has put Blake Powell's goal mayhem down to the increased confidence that comes with regular game time.
Powell's four goals steered the Phoenix to a 5-2 win over title favourites Western Sydney on Sunday.
The 24-year-old's performance at Pirtek Stadium included a scarcely believable first-half hat-trick that left Tony Popovic's shell-shocked squad trailing 3-0.
All three goals featured superb finishes from quality assists, with Powell producing a spectacular diving header and even a volley from his unfavoured left foot that gave Wanderers goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne no chance.
Merrick believed the former Sydney FC player, who spent last season in the NPL, was relishing the extra football.