It's time to cut to the chase, dear reader, and despite myriad possibilities, it's incredibly hard to believe that the Jets will somehow muster the consistency, pragmatism and game management required to win four games in a row and squeak into the finals.
It's true that nobody has mounted a compelling run for positions four to six in the run into the finals, but that will change one way or another this weekend.
Adelaide will beat Perth for starters, Macarthur have a real chance to stake their claim with a win over Melbourne Victory, and Wellington can take a huge step towards qualification if they can beat the Wanderers across the ditch on Sunday.
On the flip side of a Wellington win, success for the Wanderers would suddenly ignite real belief that they could win their last three matches against Perth, Wellington at home, and MacArthur.
Sydney FC currently in Asia, might be harbouring slim hopes that they can win their last two matches and sneak in.
I've got to be honest and say that if the Jets play like they did midweek against the Wanderers, they have no hope.
I'm not buying the second-half comeback story from Wednesday night.
Newcastle were a VAR inch away from being 4-0 down, and were handed a lifeline gift from the Wanderers keeper, shortly thereafter.
The Wanderers, fresh from allowing the Mariners to come back from 0-2 down with 10 men, got understandably nervous.
True they scored a well-constructed goal through Jason Hoffman and Sammy Silvera, but that was it for attempts on goal - two in 90 minutes. Hardly a marauding comeback, in the cold light of day.
Tonight the F3 Derby provides an opportunity to banish that performance to the rubbish bin, but the Mariners, theoretically fresher, and with a good opportunity to play finals football, will bring confidence and hunger to the table.
To me the match-up brings to life the contest between pragmatism and philosophy, and it will be interesting to see which prevails this evening.
Newcastle will play to control possession, dominate the game, and dictate. Easy on the eye when it functions well.
The Mariners have quality of their own, and will use the pace and youthful energy of a side that has developed very effectively under the guidance of coach Nick Montgomery.
For me, many have underestimated what he has done with a side, with due respect, who are not overloaded with big names.
The Mariners will spend more time on how they can disrupt the Jets' rhythm, than vice versa I suspect.
They will be encouraged by how effectively the Wanderers did that on Wednesday night.
And if the Jets are in good rhythm and touch, you suspect the Mariners will hang tough and resort to Plans B and C if necessary.
The difference between the two sides for me is that the Mariners have eked out points that seemed improbable, and the Jets have dropped valuable points late in games, either chasing victory, or not managing late pressure.
Philosophy versus points?
Maybe, we will know in two weeks.
We may also know more about where the Jets are heading with planning for next season in that time period.
Rumours keep bubbling about investment and ownership, and a possible back-to-the-future strategy in terms of personnel to replace some of the outgoing staff members.
All of that at a time when the coaches involved in the Jets' academy program have reportedly had their recompense almost halved!
Can that be true?
Surely it's the last area to cut funding?
Maybe it's to build up a war chest for the incoming? And new owners?
Gotta love a rumour at this time of year.
