Defender Jon McKain said Phoenix’s unbeaten run through the group stage had fired the team up for the clash with Melbourne Victory.

“We went into the Pre-Season Cup with an attitude around getting some quality games under our belts," he said today.

"But the further we went we started thinking ‘hang on, we can go somewhere and maybe have a shot at winning this’.

“Now we’re in the final, we want to win it. The feeling in the changeroom and at training is just unbelievable.”

McKain said the Phoenix’s confidence was on a high.

“The belief within the team is there, that’s what is really noticeable," he said.

"We’ve recruited well this year and we’ve got a good group of boys in. But it’s the belief within the group that’s key.

"When you’ve got quality players onboard and everyone has faith in themselves and each other then everything else takes care of itself.”

The club hopes that confidence continues when they begin their Hyundai A-League 2008/09 competition season against Roar at Westpac Stadium on August 17.

“The first competition game is the important one and there’s still work to do before then," said McKain.

"But we’re in a final now and we’re going to try and win it. Hopefully we can take a winning feeling into the first game of the new season.”

McKain has extra incentive to turn in a strong performance at the heart of the Phoenix’s defence tomorrow night.

With regular skipper Andrew Durante suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the win against Sydney FC, former Socceroo McKain has been handed the captain’s armband.

“It’s an honour," he added. "Obviously it was an unfortunate situation for Andrew last weekend but it’s a big honour for me to lead this club out in a final and in front of our fans – it’s doesn’t get much better than that.”

Tomorrow night’s game will be the first appearance by any New Zealand-based club in any Australasian football competition final.

“For a club that’s been around less than 18 months it’s a pretty significant achievement,” said head coach Ricki Herbert.

“We haven’t changed how we’ve gone about things [in pre-season], we’ve covered all the bases and now we’re in a final.

"Melbourne are bringing a good side and it’ll be great for our fans to see another match at the Ring of Fire. To have the final at home is unique and that’s very positive for the club.”