The statistics are impressive and Jets have "definitely improved" this season, says defender Tom Aulton, but our ladder position is "surprising".
Jets are seventh entering their final home game of the 2021 season, against Sunshine Coast Wanderers at Wolter Park on Sunday, 6pm.
We have a slim chance of reaching the finals, while Wanderers are fourth and locked in a mighty battle for the play-offs.
Jets’ playing figures show a marked improvement across the board on last season, when compared after 24 games, the total each team played in 2020.
Coach Royce Brownlie's side has more wins, more goals and 10 more points than 12 months ago (when finishing fifth), but is currently two places lower!
Jets’ record:
2020: Won 9, Draw 5 Byes 2, Lost 10, Goals For 46, Against 55, Difference -9, Pts 32
2021: Won 13, Draw 3, Byes 0, Lost 8, Goals For 68, Against 50, Difference +18, Pts 42
“We have definitely improved from last year,” Tom said, “it’s just surprising we’re in seventh and not the top four because of the way we have played.
“Even some opposition coaches have said after games that we deserved to be in the top four and given a chance I think we could make a grand final.
“But it shows you have to be there for the full 90 minutes of every game.
“This season you can see the table is divided and the fight’s on for finals places. It’s hard and every game really counts.”
Last season Jets did the double over Sunshine Coast Wanderers but this year, despite taking a second-minute lead, went down 3-1 in Buderim.
Wanderers entered this weekend in the fourth and final play-off position, one point ahead of Olympic and Gold Coast Knights.
“I think the boys are ready for this weekend’s game,” Tom said, “Wanderers are one of our biggest rivals.
“We have nothing to lose, they have everything to lose, so we want to finish the home season with a good result.”
Jets' Under 23s are still four points behind leaders Brisbane Roar but with a game in hand. They face Wanderers Under 23s, currently eighth, at 3.45pm.
Jets Under 18s have a mighty clash with Wanderers at 1.30pm. Jets are fourth, one point behind their third-placed visitors and with a far superior goal difference.