Gold Coast United skipper Jason Culina believes Sunday's gritty 1-1 draw with Sydney FC proves his side have a new-found steel that could make them genuine championship contenders.
Despite playing their third match in a week and having substitute John Curtis sent off in the second half, United fought back from a goal down to salvage a valuable point on the road.
United produced one of their best defensive displays to keep Sydney at bay in the second half after striker Bruce Djite's first goal for the club brought them level before the break.
It's a result they believe would have never been possible last season when Miron Bleiberg's side were renowned for their all-out attacking style but lacked a ruthlessness in defence.
While Culina wasn't prepared to come out and declare his team a title contender, he admitted United were a much 'smarter' proposition for their rivals this season.
"When you play at home you have to play a different style to when you're away ... last season we tended to go and just try and dominate and outclass everybody," the Socceroos midfielder said.
"We're more consistent this year, we started like a house on fire last season and then died away a little bit."
"We've started slower this season but we're picking up and being more consistent ... as long as we keep picking up a few points on road."
"I'm confident, Miron's confident and the boys are doing a real good job."
United coach Bleiberg added: "Gold coast United this year is not like Gold Coast United of the past where we go and play an open game everywhere."
"We've become a championship chasing team. We know how to play away and know how to play at home now."
Bleiberg was full of praise for his side's effort, particularly after their recent hectic schedule, but bristled at suggestions his side had come to Sydney just to get a point.
"No. I never settle for a draw before I go into a match, you know why?."
"Because there is no Barcelona and no Real Madrid in our league."
"If they were in our league, I would settle for a draw but we can beat any team in this competition."
While the Gold Coast remain outside the top six after Sunday's result, they do have games in hand and have lost just once in seven matches this season.