He stopped short of labelling them genuine title contenders but Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip believes his side’s demolition of Sydney FC proves they have come of age as an Hyundai A-League club.

He stopped short of labelling them genuine title contenders but Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip believes his side’s demolition of Sydney FC proves they have come of age as an Hyundai A-League club.

Heart made it five wins on the trot with a 4-0 thumping of the Sky Blues, which gives them a four-point buffer in second spot from the Brisbane Roar.

It was Heart’s biggest ever A-League win and puts them right on the tail of league leaders Central Coast,
who sit just two points ahead.

While Heart have gone very much under the radar this season, particularly in Melbourne where Harry
Kewell and the Victory get most of the headlines, van ‘t Schip said the win over Sydney only reinforces his side now belong as an A-League club.

Asked what statement the club’s biggest ever win makes for the rest of the league, van ‘t Schip declared: “It shows that we’re a club that has to be taken serious.”

“It’s our second year now, last year we played decent football but this year we’re playing in a different way because we’ve got different players.”

“We’re integrated fully in the league now. That’s the sign we’ve given (tonight).”

“We know things can change very quickly though. You only have to look at Brisbane.”

“It can happen to the Central Coast, it can happen to us. We have to be sharp in every game and every training.”

“We can enjoy the moment but don’t throw it away by thinking we’re already there.”