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Last week's shock win over Sydney FC reflects a new standard being achieved by the Wellington Phoenix, says captain Andrew Durante.

Andrew Durante says Wellington Phoenix have found a new level, describing their upset of Sydney FC as the A-League club's best-ever road win.

Skipper Durante spent the week trying to keep his team grounded after stunning the competition powerhouses 3-1.

Complacency isn't normally a problem for the Kiwi outfit but it's a potential threat this week ahead of Saturday's home match against the last-placed Central Coast Mariners, who arrive with five straight losses to their name.

Durante was satisfied focus wouldn't be an issue and allowed himself to reflect on a memorable outing at Jubilee Stadium in which they unlocked what had been the competition's best defence three times in the opening half.

The 294-game veteran couldn't remember a better display across the Tasman.

"Not that I can think of, against such a strong team that's performed so well for the last couple of years," he said.

"For us to do that, it gives us a lot of confidence, a lot of belief in ourselves and what we're doing."

Durante saw the performance coming after his team had the better of the previous week's 1-1 draw with leaders Perth Glory.

He is convinced the three straight losses before that were growing pains as they bedded in the fundamentals of coach Mark Rudan's style.

"It definitely feels like we have gone to another level," he said.

"I feel like we're on the front foot a lot more now and making it difficult for the opposition.

"We've got a game plan for Central Coast and if we can execute it like we have over the last couple of weeks, then it should be three points for us."

Durante is ready to duke it out with long-time rival Matt Simon, the abrasive Mariners centre forward who has been a thorn in the side of the Phoenix previously.

Michael McGlinchey is also a familiar face after ending four seasons at the Phoenix earlier this year.

McGlinchey is among the more creative figures in Mike Mulvey's injury-hit squad as big attacking names Ross McCormack and Tommy Oar remain sidelined by knee complaints.

Mulvey said the All Whites midfielder will be an informant this week.

"Mike understands how the club works so we'll have a bit of a chat before we go over there."

STATS THAT MATTER

* The Phoenix are chasing back to back wins for the first time in 20 months.

* Wellington striker Roy Krishna's 29 per cent conversion rate is the competition's best for players to have made at least 10 shots.

* The Mariners will equal their longest run of winless games (14) if they don't get three points at Westpac Stadium.