There are currently five points between Newcastle and their visitors and Bridges is anxious to bring that down to two and leave the harbour city boys glancing anxiously over their shoulders.

The 31-year-old struck twice in the Jets 3-1 win at the Sydney Football Stadium back in round 16 and he expects some close, personal attention  from his old teammates this weekend.

Newcastle have turned themselves from cellar dwellers into finals contenders and with just four games remaining, sights are set on the highest possible finish.

"It's amazing what a difference a few months makes," Bridges told au.fourfourtwo.com today. "There's still a lot of hard work to do but credit to everyone at the club for sticking together, pulling together and not finger-pointing when things weren't going for us.

"People have been strong, they've been brave and they've stood up to be counted when it's mattered.

"We're up in the four at the moment but there's no point hiding from the fact that what we want is a spot in that top two.

"This weekend's game against Sydney is a massive one. If we can get the three points then that leaves us just two points behind them."

Bridges is taking nothing for granted however and knows the Sky Blues will be anxious to bounce back from their defeat at the hands of Gold Coast United.

He feels Vitezslav Lavicka's men might even feel slightly more relaxed away from the SFS. "At home you can find the pressure build if things aren't going your way and the fans get on your back," said Bridges.

"Maybe they won't be too unhappy to be away. Still, we're at home, we want to use that to our advantage and I'd love to see a big crowd in for the match.

"We know Sydney are a good footballing side though and it looks like Brosquey (Alex Brosque) could be back for them. He's a player that can really hurt you.

"Obviously I got the goals against them last time so I'm sure the marking on me will be pretty tight."

Bridges has been a key figure in Newcastle's transformation this season and he could not be happier with life in the Hunter. The ink is still drying on a new contract and his family is settled.

He added: "Things are going well, really, really enjoying it."