JETS captain Nigel Boogaard is ready to hit the go button and hopes to play 45 minutes in the friendly against Sydney FC at Dubbo on Saturday.
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Boogaard had an arthroscope on his knee in the pre-season and has since suffered a couple of set backs.
However, the experienced central defender has been back in training for two weeks and is keen for action.
"It is getting closer to the season now, so Ernie said it's time to push and get some game time under my belt," Boogaard said. "I'm looking forward to it.
"My preference is obviously to start; have a good warm up and get into it. That is the biggest test when you are up against opponents who are fresh at the start of the game."
Sydney boast one of the best strike forces in the league, led by Adam Le Fondre, Milos Nincovic and new arrival Kosta Barbarouses.
"Sydney definitely ask a lot of questions with the quality they have going forward in the front three," Boogaard said. "It will be a good test for me personally but also for us as a team to see where we are at heading into round one.
"I'd like to think that I could get through 45 minutes. I'm up for that. I need to get out there, I need to get match practice, I need to get up to speed with the game and there is no better way to do that than against Sydney."
The Jets travelled to Dubbo on Friday, conducted a coaching clinic and had a training session.
The clash with the Sky Blues, who were knocked out of the FFA Cup by Brisbane in the round of 32, is the Jets' second last hit out before opening the A-League season against the Mariners in Gosford on October 19. They play Melbourne City in Melbourne on October 5.
As well as Barbarouses, Sydney have signed German playmaker Alex Baumjohann and Luke Brattan.
"We have had a good pre-season and to be able to play against A-league opposition is massive for us," Boogaard said. "It will be good to play Sydney and see where we are at and where they are at."
Northern Ireland under-21 representative Bobby Burns is set to make his debut at left back after touching down on Tuesday.
His arrival opens the way for Jason Hoffman to push further forward and help cover the long-term injury to Wes Hoolahan.
The Irish star injured his ankle in the first half of the Jets 1-0 loss to Adelaide United in the FFA Cup quarter-final on Tuesday night.
"It's disappointing to see Wes get injured the way he did," Boogaard said. "He has been very good in the pre-season gelling with the boys. Wes loved the ball to come to feet and to dictate play. Whether we see someone play in a similar role or someone who likes to get in behind, it's an opportunity for someone to put their best foot forward."
The Jets played 80 minutes against Adelaide with 10 men after goalkeeper Lewis Italiano was given a straight red card.
"It was frustrating to get that far and go out that way," Boogaard said. "But it was good to know that the mentality is in the group to really grind out a backs-to-the-wall type performance."
