Phoenix crashed 4-0 to Melbourne Victory last night but they still have a four-point buffer with just three rounds remaining.

"I spoke to the players straight after the match and told them that it's down to the final line now," Herbert said.

"It's about our strength, character and determination. We're not a bad team because of these two results and it (making the playoffs) is in our own hands, we just need to rediscover the momentum. But questions to need to be asked and that's exactly what will happen."

Phoenix went into the Etihad match with an attacking mindset, striker Chris Greenacre returning from injury to start alongside danger men Eugene Dadi and Paul Ifill. There were changes at the back for the visitors too, with injuries and suspensions forcing Herbert into a radical revamp of his midfield and back four.

Victory built on their momentum in the second half, with goals to Archie Thompson in the 50th minute and Hernandez in the 66th before substitute Matthew Kemp put the cherry on top in the dying stages.

Herbert was particularly disappointed by his side's capitulation in the second half.

"It was very poor," said Herbert. "At half-time we were still a shot but we fell away badly in the second half.

"We were tired and lethargic and made some bad decisions. Against a team like Melbourne, bad decisions will cost you, and they did."

Although Herbert was unable to play his strongest XI, he refused to put the loss down to that factor.

"When we've had to make changes previously it has taken time. Quite simply the guys we've given opportunities to haven't taken their chances," he said.

Nor was he blaming the impact of Phoenix's gruelling travel schedule for their poor results away from home.

He added: "Sometimes it becomes a mental thing.

"Every time we have to travel it is internationally, but hey, that's what we've always had to deal with. Clearly we haven't dealt with it as well as we might," he added.