To see the Mariners training session...

The 26-year-old's pre-season form and contribution to the opening round win in Melbourne has delighted coach Lawrie McKinna and Kwasnik admits he is really enjoying his football since returning from Wellington Phoenix.  

"It's always nice to get compliments from the coach and I just want to keep up the good form," Kwasnik told au.fourfourtwo.com. "It's the least I can do to pay the gaffer and the club back.

"I don't think there's many players around the world who leave a club to go elsewhere and then find themselves welcomed back with open arms. I've been fortunate to find myself in that situation and it does motivate me."  

Kwasnik and his colleagues caused a shock with their opening round win over Melbourne Victory last week but no-one at the club is getting carried away.  

"We had a plan going down there and it came off. We are not getting too far ahead of ourselves though. It is a long season," he said. "People write us off and we just want to keep throwing it back in their faces, one game at a time.

"People can say what they like. We're just going out there to do a job. Newcastle will be a tough game but I've no doubt we have the defence and the strike power to win the game.

"It's a wonderful derby. The one that sticks out is when we beat them 3-0 at Bluetongue. I'd love a repeat of that.

"The two clubs are only 40 minutes to an hour up the road, both sets of fans don't really like each other and hopefully the derby can continue to get bigger and better.

"Newcastle have a lot of experience and a lot of good players but we're quietly confident."  

Whether he plays a wide role or form part of the attack, Kwasnik feels each challenge adds to his footballing education and provides plenty of tough tests.  

He added: "If I had to pick myself (a best position) I'd say wide left and I like to come up against defender who tests you.

"As a striker you come up against big defenders who kick the shit out of you. But as long as I'm doing a job, I'm happy to play anywhere.  

"We've been written off every season. We hope to shove it back in everyone's faces come the end of March."

To see the Mariners training session...