WANDERERS striker Brendon Santalab has defended himself over another controversial tackle, and hailed the influence of Western Sydney’s Argentine playmaker Nicolas Martinez.

Santalab scored the equaliser in his side’s 2-2 draw at Perth on Sunday night but came under fire for a tackle on Joseph Mills, with former Sydney coach John Kosmina insistent it should have been a red card.

But Santalab, who escaped serious sanction for a late challenge on Adelaide’s James Holland in round two, insisted his motive was to win the ball from Mills, even though his challenge in the end was very late.

“It was a tackle born of desperation and my commitment to the team,” Santalab said.

“I’d sprinted back 40m to try to win the ball back and that was my intention. In the end I got the boy’s legs and got a yellow card which was fair enough.

Brendon Santalab has come under fire for two late tackles in recent weeks. Source: News Limited

“The more we talk about moments like that, the more we’re questioning referees’ decisions, when I think we need to accept it and move on.”

The veteran striker poured praise on Martinez, who scored the opening goal of the game inside 30 seconds to set a new record for the club, and then created Santalab’s equaliser with a perceptive through ball.

“It’s taken him a little time to catch up as his fitness levels were down through joining us late on,” Santalab said.

“But he’s getting fitter and better, and really he’s a joy to play with. As a striker you know he’s got such great vision, and someone like me licks their lips because of the service we know we’re going to get.

“His delivery is sublime, he can make something out of nothing. Getting our fastest-ever goal was a great moment for him, and he’s only going to get better.”