SHE is no stranger to finding the back of the net, but Western Mariners FC talent Jess Salomoni credits a move to the wing as the catalyst for her current goal-scoring spree in the women’s State League competition.

The Mudgee star has been clinical in front of goal, particularly in the past three games as she has struck five times. It has taken her season tally to seven.

Originally playing as a defender, Salomoni then found herself as striker. Now Mariners coach Mick Godbier believes the change of position from a central attacking slot to the wing could boost her career further.

“Last year I was a striker for the Mariners but Mick suggested, and I agree with him totally now, that maybe I should play on the wing this year just to give me a bit more space,” Salomoni said.

“And I think it’s the best move ever and I like it much better out there.

“Once I moved there I had to work out to play with a bit more width, and know when to come into the middle of the field and when not to so I don’t crowd the striker.”

With the change in position has come a more stringent approach to her training, thanks in large part to the extra ground covered by a winger in-game.

“My fitness is probably the biggest change for me from last year to this year,” Salomoni said.

“Because I am fitter I’m able to play better for longer, but I also have a different mindset knowing that I am able to play at a higher intensity for longer.”

The Mariners are the pacesetters for the competition as they enter their seventh game of the season tomorrow undefeated. They will tackle Bankstown FC at Mudgee’s Glen Willow Stadium.

Despite boasting a perfect record, Salomoni said her team is still looking for ways to improve.

“We’ve come away with a few wins this season, but I don’t think we’ve been playing at our best so far this year,” she said.

“Too often we have not played the full 90 minutes. We seem to drop off in our intensity during the games for no reason, but if we can put out a full-game effort, we will be tough to beat.”

After losing to the Mariners 2-1 in round one, Bankstown have won their past four games. It is a streak that has caught the attention of Salomoni.

“I am very worried about this game this weekend because I know how tough they are and we only just beat them last time we played them,” she said.

“Their passing is very accurate and they are very skilled, but we beat them before so I think we can do it again.”

In a blow for the Mariners they will not have the services of classy midfielder Teegan Courtney, who is again unavailable for selection.

Kick-off between the  Mariners and Bankstown FC is at 3pm.