"FIX up, look sharp".

Those four words mightn't mean much too many of you, but for any Dizzee Rascal fans out there you'll realise they're a particularly apt description of exactly what the Newcastle Jets need to do in tonight's encounter with Adelaide.

A week out from an away, one off final against Sydney, Gold Coast, Wellington or Perth, time is fast running out to hit form, and finals form at that. For the Jets and their fans to, as the song continues, "hear the bang, see the spark".

 And while it's impossible for Branko's boys to iron out all their recent on-field issues in 90 minutes, it is possible some of the cobwebs can be swept away. A professional performance against the Reds is paramount not only to instil confidence in the squad, but faith in supporters that we're not just in the six to make up the numbers.

Moreover, a reason needs to be given for those in the position to do so to travel next week.

This'll all start with the Jets leaving the sheds with the right attitude; with courage, bravado and ambition. Maybe they need to be given a good revving?

Part of that revving could (should) recognise that 6,000 of the Hunter's best fans have remained loyal to them this season. Thus, that it's time they rewarded those who've forked out their hard earned week in week out with an effort of eloquence and style, heart and, particularly, substance.

Forget those who some journalists say have been absent, the core who've dedicated their cash and free time since we first met the South Australians in round 1 five years ago are still taking their seats, and win, lose or draw they'll take those seats again next season.

Yes, we've enjoyed some great moments at EAS this year (and we're grateful) - Wheelhouse's wonder strike, wins over some of the big guns, et al - but I ask the team: will you leave the stadium tonight contented you've put together a complete team showing in front of your home fans this year, if you don't razz the reds? A performance of which you all know you are capable of? A united showing?

Perhaps the Jets could also look to some of the words of Mr. Rascal's song, and his rise to greatness for a bit of inspiration before they leave the plush players zone at approximately 8pm tonight.  

Dizzee, bold and brazen invites a challenge, and backs himself. The Jets should do likewise.

"You'd better send your best soldiers...they'll never stop me...come to me with 'ya attitude you'll come a cropper...I fight old school, bring your fight...a first aid kit and some antiseptic, this could get hectic."

Born into the boroughs of East London, Dizzee - real name Dwayne Kwabena Mills - did it tough as a kid. His single mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. Crime and violence were teenage traits of a young lad heading to the wrong side of the tracks.

Yet out of an adverse situation he's risen to the top of his profession, and it's high time the Jets rose to the top of theirs. Let's not forget, less than two months ago we were the form side of the competition, having leapt from the foot of the ladder and proving many a sceptic's summation wrong along the way.

For mine, the finals start tonight. A loss or draw grants another chance but next week won't be so kind. A win represents promise. But it's the performance that's key.

So be ruthless, back yourselves and show us exactly what the gold shirt means to you.

Then look up at the replicas in the crowd and understand exactly what it means to each of us.

 "Fix up, look sharp".