Huysegems started well - three goals in his first four games - before enduring the longest drought of his professional life. He went 22 games and more than four months without finding the back of the net.
"You have to be positive but it was difficult," says Huysegems. "Especially if you miss a chance and the team has a close loss; that is definitely more painful."
He copped plenty of flak from supporters and on fan forums but persevered - "I've had a long career, which helps you to handle these situations" - and is now getting the results.
At first, it was uncertain if Huysegems was suited to the A-League - or the Phoenix. It's a physical competition which puts a premium on pace and work rate over technical ability - different to the Dutch Eredivisie and Belgian Pro League where Huysegems had spent most of his career. He also came to a team (under coach Ricki Herbert) that was defensively oriented, with a conservative approach; it was destruct rather than construct.
"I'm enjoying [football] a lot more this season," says Huysegems. "It's great as a striker. Our team is now set up to attack and [Ernie Merrick] wants us in the box as much as possible. Last year, the focus was more defensive; we were set up as a counter-attacking team."
"Stein has a great football CV and we all know his qualities," says coach Ernie Merrick. "Last season, for whatever reason, he didn't get a lot of game time. He also didn't have much of a pre-season which is crucial, especially for a striker."
"It's a relatively short season and important to be ready," says Huysegems. "Last season, I didn't really feel physically 100 per cent all the time, which made it difficult."
Striker and coach are reluctant to talk about a revival but Huysegems has been at the centre of a Phoenix resurgence.
He has scored four goals in the last three games and, in the absence of Ifill and Hernandez, he has taken on more of a creative role. His second goal against the Wanderers - a delightful flick with his outside foot that used to be a Hernan Crespo trademark - was a measure of his current confidence.
"Obviously it's good when things go well," says Huysegems. "You are full of confidence and willing to try some more things."
He is enjoying the developing combination with Hernandez - "he sees your run very early and can put the ball where you want it" - and backs striking partner Brockie to find a way out of his current malaise.
"He has been unlucky with some chances - everybody can see that," says Huysegems. "He is out of confidence at the moment but he is still a good player. Once he scores one, I'm sure he will go on a run."
The Phoenix have recorded three successive wins to sit five points outside a play-off spot before today's match against the Central Coast Mariners.
The reigning champions come to Wellington today without key players Marcos Flores (injured) and Michael McGlinchey (on loan) and were fortunate to record a win in their last clash three weeks ago.
"I missed a penalty in that match and we were a bit unlucky," says Huysegems. "But after that game I went on a run and we haven't lost a game for three matches, so hopefully it continues."
Stein Huysegems
Age: 31
Phoenix debut: October 6, 2012
A-League games: 36
A-League goals: 11.
