NIKOLAI Topor-Stanley is a half-glass-full kind of guy.
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The Jets veteran tries to take a positive outlook whenever possible.
But while he has been encouraged by the Jets' spike in results, the hard-nosed defender knows they have a long way to go.
The Jets sit in last place on four points, heading into Sunday' clash against Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium.
On the plus side, they are fresh from a 2-1 win over Wellington and 1-all draw with Western Sydney.
"I am always a positive person - a half-glass-full guy - but it is only two games," Topor-Stanley said. "We have to start fixing things. There were still mistakes in the Wanderers game that should have cost us.
"Small moments in games, if you are on the wrong side, it costs you.
"We know that, now it is a matter of doing something about it when it counts. That is the difference between great teams and mediocre teams.
"Every game is important. Every three points on the board is vital. At the end of the season it always comes down to a handful of goals, one result that doesn't go your way. Every point we miss out on is crucial come the end of the year."
After a hectic schedule of four games in 13 days, the Jets will have a week to prepare for City, who gave up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to the Mariners on Wednesday night.
"It is as though your mind plays tricks on you," Topor Stanley said after gym session on Wednesday. "When you know you have time off, your body suddenly feels sore. When you know you have a game, it tells you to put up with it.
"It took me three days to get over the last game. Everything was hurting a bit but it is good that we had a few days off."
Fellow veteran, Jets captain Nigel Boogaard agreed that the extended gap between games was beneficial.
"It gives the boys a bit of respite and allows us to really prepare properly for the weekend," Boogaard said. "We also get to have a good look at City against the Mariners. Fatigue does play a part. Last week [against Wanderers] we pushed right to the death, but you could see towards the back end that we were starting to slow down.
"For us it is about getting out to an early lead. If you can ram that home early, with a team coming off a tired performance, it is hard to come back from."
And there could be more relief for the Jets, with next Wesdnesday's game against Western United almost certain to be postponed.
The COVID-19 capacity at McDonald Jones Stadium has been increased to 50 per cent and Boogaard is hopeful that fans make the most of the "family-friendly 4pm time slot" and discount prices.
"Two adults and two kids can come to the game for $49," Boogaard said. "That's great value and hopefully we can get a large number of supporters there. They have been great for us through COVID at the end back end of last year and this season. That loyal support is massive for us."