A freaklish talent, Babalj's career hasn't taken the trajectory that he - and most - had hoped.

But Papas was willing to throw the now 30-year-old striker an A-League lifeline.

Babalj part repaid that faith with a late equaliser off the bench to snatch a 2-all draw with Macarthur FC at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.

The 195cm front-man thought he had a second - and the winner - in stoppage time, but he was flagged for offside. It was tightest of calls.

"I have a lot of belief in Eli," Papas said. "I have had from the start. I felt that he could impact the game when he came on. When the opportunity came, he took it.'

The headed goal was Babalj's first in the A-League since 2013 when he struck for Melbourne Heart in a 2-0 win over Perth Glory..

"I wish the second one was counted as well," Babalj said. "When I come onto the pitch I try to contribute in different ways. But getting the goal is always special."

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Babalj left Heart at the end of the 2012-13 campaign to join Dutch club AZ Alkmaar but his career never got going again and bounced around leagues in Europe and Asia in between a couple of major injuries.

Now, with a full preseason under his belt, Papas is confident the best is to come.

"The main thing for Eli is that he is working hard," Papas said.

"In terms of his feet, Eli is one of the most gifted I have worked with over a long period of time. It is making sure his body can handle the rigors of professional football.

"Then it's about taking your opportunities when they come. There is no is guarantee when they come but you have to be ready. The last two or three games he has sat on the sideline and hasn't actually got on. I know he is focused and if he comes he can make an impact for us."