Friday’s match against Victory should be an intriguing one with the Jets settled into second-place and Melbourne yet to win after drawing four times.

“Our confidence is high. We’re second on the ladder and the boys feel as though they still haven’t played to their full potential,” said Hearfield.

"We know and Dutchy [Gary Van Egmond] knows that there’s better football still to come."

Hearfield believes Melbourne will get their season back on track but says the results fall into Newcastle’s favour.

In the 2006/07 season, Newcastle lost to Melbourne just once before beating them twice, including a 4-0 win at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Newcastle also beat Melbourne 1-0 in the Pre-Season Cup.

“I think we’ve got an edge over Melbourne and they know it,” he said. “We’re playing at home so we’ll have the support too.

"Even though Melbourne can play better football than what they have been, so can we. They haven’t shown anything yet but the potential is there.

"A lot of teams don’t think they’re playing well but they can still pull a result from wherever they are.

He added: “I do think they were pretty lucky to run away with the 6-0 win in the Final. Adelaide didn’t really turn up to play a final.

"I think we had the edge over Melbourne last year and the results show that. I don’t know what’s happening with them to be honest.

"It’s probably just time and getting to know each other’s games. They’ve got a few new players in the team and when that comes together they’ll start to be a threat again.”

Hearfield’s personal ambition is to establish himself as a regular first-team player and he’s been given a confidence boost with his recent inclusion in Australia’s U-23 squad.

With the likes of Denni now at the Jets, Hearfield must fight for his spot but Van Egmond has urged him to become a more confident player.

“Gary really wants me to be part of the team and playing regularly but he wants me to be stronger in areas," he said. "I’m working hard.

"I’m working on my sharpness and he just wants me to back myself more and be more confident with my abilities.

"I feel really good out there, it’s just a matter of taking my chances.”

He added: “We usually know the starting team the day before and hopefully I’ll be playing this week, even if it’s a bench spot.

"I was actually in the starting team at training today but we’ll see how it pans out tomorrow.”