With Phoenix's season threatening to be derailed by inconsistent performances that had them winless this season, a visit by the in-form Sydney was ruled a line-in-the-sand by Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos.

The well-connected millionaire Kiwi businessman spoke privately to the Phoenix players before the game about his passion for running the club and what he expects from them.

And the players themselves looked each other straight in the eye and spoke honestly in clear the air meetings about how they want to play their football.

These frank and earnest discussions been a turning point says skipper Andrew Durante.

"The boys got together the week before the Sydney game and really had a good talk about things and obviously took it on the field and got a very good result."

Phoenix fought like men possessed last week. After going 1-0 down to a classy Sydney FC, the side battled and scrapped to get themselves back into the contest – all the more creditable given the unavailability of Durante, Jon McKain and keeper Glen Moss.

"The owner came in and spoke to us, showing his passion and heart. He puts a lot of time and money into the club.

"The boys looked at each other and there was no finger pointing. We just put our hands up and said, 'I've been poor or I've been poor'. So it was a good talk.

"We're not going to win every game but we need to be passionate and hungry. It's the key."

Durante had his first training session with the side on Wednesday after a flu kept him out of last week's game against Sydney.

He's hopeful that with the extra time he'll be fit enough to play on Monday at Newcastle's EA stadium, describing himself as being "85%" fit on Thursday.

And if Durante does travel for the game, it will be a special return for a player who spent three seasons in the Hunter and was part of the Jets' historic first grand final win last February.

"It'll be emotional for me. It'll kind of be like a home game for me. I know the ground quite well so I'll be quite comfortable."

Some have suggested it's a good time for Phoenix to face the Jets given the club's horrendous injury problems. Durante disagrees.

"They tend to play better when their backs are against the wall."

Talisman Joel Griffiths and Jason Hoffman are definitely out through injury while Dane Jesper Hakansson and Adam Griffiths are doubtful for the Jets.

As for Phoenix, Durante is pinning his hopes on the fact that the A-League is an even competition. And he believes the side has the capability to make the finals - and that starts on Monday in Newcastle.

"We showed last week beating the top side that it is an even league with perhaps seven teams able to make the finals.

"But it was only one game so we've got to keep it going. We've got to take the positives out of last week. There was loads of commitment and hunger. We've lacked the hunger and last week's hunger was how we should be approaching every game from now.

"There are now a lot more smiling faces at training."

:: When you purchase a ticket to the Newcastle Jets match against Wellington Phoenix at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Monday October 6, you will receive free entry to view the special screening of MADAGASCAR. This special screening of the classic family film comes ahead of the release of the new MADAGASCAR II. Log onto www.newcastlejets.com.au for more details.