The Jets played the bulk of the game with 10 men after the first half dismissal of Ben Kantarovski but deservedly saw off their visitors.

"It was terrific" said Culina. "It was an outstanding performance by an outstanding team, who showed today that if they really want something there's nothing stopping them."

"We said at halftime that if we can get the win today, under the conditions and the circumstances, it will be one of the greatest achievements of our club, certainly this year anyway."

Culina said the quality of the opposition just added to the achievement.

"It's not often that you score twice with ten men against if not the best team in the competition, certainly one of the best two," added Culina.

Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Ernie Merrick described his side's showing as 'flat'.

"Credit to Newcastle, after the second goal in particular we just weren't in the contest," Merrick said.

"They were first to the ball and took their chances and even though we had the ball in the box and had more scoring chances we didn't even look like finishing."