Law, who joined the club from Adamstown Rosebud in the summer, has seen Maitland win their first five games of the campaign to sit alone at the top of the first division table.

The Magpies will look to keep their unbeaten start going when they host Belmont Swansea at Cooks Square Park on Sunday.

Law said he was impressed with the standard of the first division this season and happy with his team’s start.

“We’ve tried to set the bar high this season,” he said.

“I keep repeating myself that each week is going to be the hardest game but I think that just hits home how ­competitive the competition is.

“Teams have upped their level from last season and lifted the standard which is great.”

Maitland will welcome a Bel-Swans team also chasing promotion to the National Premier League in 2015.

The visitors have also recruited players with top league experience including Shane Paul and Luke 

and Joel Shearer, with Law wary of 

Bel-Swans ability. 

“I have huge respect for [coach] Brad Paul, he knows the game inside out,” he said.

“I’ve been telling our players at training that with the calibre of players they have if we don’t turn up switched on then we’ll drop points.

“In saying that, we’ve had five wins on the bounce and at home we’ll be confident.”

One of Maitland’s strengths this ­season has been their home-grown midfield including the Broadley ­brothers, Justin, Chris and Ryan.

And Law believes the emergence of Ryan as a key player in the team has been vital for Maitland’s progression.

“In terms of Ralph [Ryan], I think this season he has really stepped out of his brother’s shadows,” he said.

“It’s really apparent that the three of them have an individual style of play, they all play in midfield but they all have three very different attributes.

“Ralph especially is carrying himself really well without any question, he’s exceptional on the ball and the high tempo one and two touch football we want to play Ralphy is key to that.”

Kick off on Sunday is at 2.30pm.

Thornton are also in action in round six and will travel to Johnston Park on Saturday to face West Wallsend.