Phoenix went down 3-2 to Newcastle Jets in Newcastle last weekend as defensive errors proved costly for the New Zealand side.

After conceding two early goals to Jason Hoffman, defender Ben Sigmund and import striker Chris Greenacre got the visitors back on level terms only to see the points go begging as Jason Naidovski stole in for the winner 11 minutes from time.

Coach Ricki Herbert admitted the result and the defensive lapses were disappointing but there was no cause for panic so early in the season.

"Everyone is very honest about the mistakes. It could have been a little bit better that's for sure," he conceded.

"But there are 26 games to go. It's not a hammer on them [defenders] but we have visited it because it's important.

"We want to be in the six and we want to get in the six and stay in the six this year. That's going to come with winning games. If you can get in sometimes it's harder to get out of it."

Phoenix have a good chance to consolidate their current sixth position with victory against Perth Glory on Sunday.

Herbert knows strong form at home will go a long way to helping secure a first taste of finals football for the Wellington club.

Last season they enjoyed five wins and four draws in 11 home games that included a six-game unbeaten run.

"If we're close to that sort of form, and with perhaps one or two more wins, then we probably aren't going to be that far away," said Herbert.

"I think there are going to be games away where we've got to go and do the business as well though."

Glory coach David Mitchell has recruited well in the off-season, bringing Socceroos Jacob Burns, Chris Coyne and Mile Sterjovski to the club.

But like Phoenix, they suffered an opening round loss, going down 1-0 to Adelaide United.

Herebert added: "I think they will be no different than us.

"They've had three or four years in the wilderness and not been a finals side so I would say their ambitions are pretty high.

"It will be a great game I think. All the A-League games are tough. We certainly won't be disappointed with them coming here and turning it on. We've got to be the equal to them."