The Thursday 8pm kick off is tipped for a bumper Melbourne crowd of around 20-25,000 at the old Telstra Dome, renamed Etihad Stadium in the off-season.

And for the Mariners, being underdogs in front of such a big crowd at one of the premier stadiums in the A-League, brings out their fighting instinct, says skipper Alex Wilkinson.

"Melbourne is the most favoured place to go," Wilkinson told au.fourfourtwo.com. "Because the crowd at the Dome is so good down there and players love playing in front of such a big crowd.

"It's probably unfortunate for Melbourne but all the away teams love getting down there. It's going to be a big test and a good benchmark of where we're at."

Wilkinson added that he'd be happy with a draw if the scores were tied with ten minutes left: "I don't think it'd be a bad result. We'd take that."

The Mariners have it tough in August. After their baptism of fire against the reigning champions, they face a rejuvenated Sydney FC in a NSW derby and the Jets in the F3 showdown.

As for finals, Wilkinson, 25, says most teams can make the finals. But he says tomorrow night's opponents at Etihad Stadium will certainly be there.

"Melbourne will be up there and I think Perth will be one of the most improved teams," he predicted. "Adelaide is always pretty solid. So I think those three will be up there and I think the Gold Coast will be there too.

"Our goal first and foremost is to make the six. We've only missed the finals once so hopefully we can continue that good record. We've had a pretty solid pre-season.

"We're pretty optimistic we can do quite well."

New boys Chris Doig from Northampton Town, Nicky Travis from Sheffield United and former Celtic player Michael McGlinchey have settled in well to Gosford.

But Wilkinson hinted that after his contract is up at the club in two years time he'd like to give football in Asia a try.

He added: "I'd love to go overseas and test myself in other leagues.

"I don't have a UK passport which makes it more difficult. But over the next few years you're going to see a lot more boys heading to Asia. It'll sort of be the new Europe for Aussie boys.

"I think Japan would be fantastic. Their league is strong and they get fantastic crowds and in general it's a great place to live. J-League would be definitely something to look at.

"In the ACL [against Kawasaki Frontale] it was just a great experience to go over there. They are far and away the most advanced league in Asia so if I ever got that opportunity, it would be fantastic."