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Newcastle A-League coach Ernie Merrick says the Jets' capitulation to Melbourne City was a one-off and taking on Glory in Perth is the perfect way to respond.

Newcastle Jets coach Ernie Merrick says his team's poor A-League showing against Melbourne City was a one-off but has flagged changes ahead of their trip to Perth to face the Glory.

The Jets suffered a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Melbourne City, with Merrick noting the only positive was the margin was "only four goals".

"It was a one-off, unlike all the other games we've played apart from the Sydney game (a 4-1 loss) - in the Sydney game I put my hand up because I felt I got the game plan wrong," Merrick said on Tuesday.

"But there was nothing wrong with the plan this time, it was just the performance of the players."

Changes in both personnel and game plan look likely ahead of Saturday's game.

"We'll freshen up the squad in two ways - probably change a couple of players and give someone a start and I could have chosen any players after that performance," Merrick said.

"But we'll bring in a fresh couple of players and we always have a game plan for each team so that'll be slightly different as well."

Perth have surged to fifth after consecutive wins, while the Jets are 10th but are just three points outside the top six.

"Perth will be a challenge, especially over there - it's always a tough trip" Merrick said.

"There's no doubt they did well against Melbourne City in their last match and won 3-0 and they beat the Wanderers, so they've won their last two games.

"But I would rather play a good team because if you're going to prove that you're worth being in the finals and you've played so badly one week, you're best playing a tough team the following week."

The Jets won't be able to call on Nigel Boogaard (groin), with Merrick conceding the defender could be up to another four weeks away.