Young attacking midfielder James Thompson doesn't hesitate: "Definitely".

And he says he's been feeling that way for a couple of weeks.

"Something clicked about six or seven weeks ago and it has all been coming together ever since then," he said. "We've been really hard to beat over the last month or so.

"I honestly reckon if we can get through this weekend, we'll go on with it."

That's some statement. To make it to the big one they'll have to do it the hard way, surviving three elimination matches on the trot.

It started in last weekend's thrilling penalty shootout win over Charlestown Azzurri, and this weekend their next hurdle is the formidable Newcastle Olympic.

"I think Edgeworth are the team to beat but we dominated them in one of the last competition rounds and we've kept winning since. The feeling among the guys is incredible right now."

But it has been more than just winning - it has been finding a way to win in even the most challenging of circumstances. This is one gritty outfit.

Take last weekend for example.

With Andrew Swan and Matt Comerford gone for the season with knee injuries, and Liam Thornton ruled out with a leg injury, Ryan Clarke injures his hamstring in the warm-up and can't play. After a couple of minutes Thompson himself receives a head knock and is concussed, but plays on. And to top it off gun striker Braedyn Crowley pinches a nerve and couldn't take one of the kicks in the penalty shoot-out.

It's little wonder coach Mick Bolch described it as the best win he's been involved in for five years.

"I know the desire is there, I just don't know if the body is there," he said.

He was referring to the growing injury toll and the fact he probably won't have an idea of what his starting lineup will be until Friday at best.

To say training will be light will be an understatement.

At 21, Thompson was singled out by the coach for a mention for his recent form.

He has worked up a wonderful understanding with Crowley and has played no little part in the striker notching 14 goals from his past 14 games, including seven in the last four matches.

"Football wise we've become inseparable. We're there early at training kicking a ball to each other, and now in games we seem to have got into this rhythm where we know where each other is going to be," Thompson said.

It has made the Magpies attack one to be feared and the goals are flowing.

And it's clear that he's enjoying his football ... something that wasn't always the case.

"For a while I was sort of playing for the sake of playing, rather than really enjoying it," he explained.

"But that all changed last season. I had a great time, I love playing with the guys, the coach is great, and winning the premiership was awesome.

"As a matter of fact this was probably the first off-season where I've trained hard to get myself ready. I worked my arse off and couldn't wait for the new season to start. But yes, I'm pleased Bolchy is happy."

While he prefers the number 10 role - the attacking central midfielder - he's happy to play wide on the right if it's what the team needs.

So, as a former Jets Youth player, any bigger thoughts at this stage of his career?

"I'm happy at Maitland, signed and sealed for next season."

Besides, there's the not insignificant challenge of back to back titles to worry about.