The Jets head to Adelaide just five weeks after registering a 0-0 draw against the Reds in Round 1 and Kennedy is confident he can keep a clean sheet again this time around despite United hitting top form.

"It is going to be tough they are a real form side at the moment and the front boys are working hard," Kennedy said.

"But the first round we contained them pretty well and we will be looking to do that again.

"Our whole team has been working hard defensively and I think it has paid off."

Kennedy paid special tribute to tough defensive midfielder Kasey Wehrman, who has worked effectively with fellow new recruit Ruben Zadkovich to set up a solid defensive structure for the Jets, and give extra protection for their custodian.

"We brought in Kasey this year and he has been really effective," Kennedy said.

"He is just sitting in front of the back four and I think he has made a real difference.

"He is a quality player - he has played for Australia and he is a tough player - and I think that has gone through the side.

"We are a bit tougher which is good."

"Ruben (Zadkovich) may have been a little bit too tough last week but you can see the intensity there and teams know that when they play Newcastle they are going to be in for a tough game.

"And it is probably the main reason our defence has improved. I think we are working well defensively as a team and it has showed with us only conceding two goals so far."

Kennedy also credited his own form to a rollercoaster season last campaign where he started as the number one keeper before sustaining an injury and then found it hard to force his way back into the starting side with reserve goalkeeper Neil Young hitting top form.

When Young suffered a horrific facial injury, Kennedy won his spot back and made it his own with some stellar performances to finish the season and he is keen to maintain the form this campaign.

"It was my first full year as the number one keeper and I struggled a bit but I think ended the year performing better and I think the hard work I did to get to the top spot showed," Kennedy said.

"To be honest I think the injury helped me this year. It proved to me that I have to work harder and it got me all eager to get the Number 1 spot back.

"The injury also gave me time to recharge the batteries and re-focus.

"The last few games gave me a lot of confidence and I think the finals game against the Gold Coast was probably my best ever game.

"I have worked hard during the off-season and tried to bring that form into this year and so far it is paying off."