The Mariners have so far proven unbeaten in two Pre-Season Cup matches and one Hyundai A-League appearance at the stadium, and are aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to local rivals Newcastle Jets last Friday.

Similarly, Adelaide are also reeling from a loss to their fiercest enemy, going down 3-1 to Melbourne Victory, and Mariners football manager Lawrie McKinna is wary of a side desperate to return to the winner's circle.

“You could see the intensity that Adelaide picked up in the second half, they believed they could get something back against Melbourne but credit to Melbourne they got them on the break and sealed the game," McKinna said.

“We’re disappointed with our result, we had enough of the ball to at least get a draw, and Adelaide beat us 1-nil last time down there where we didn’t play that well, so they’re always a hard game for us but we think we have the team that can go and get the three points in Canberra."

In a congested Hyundai A-League ladder, just 10 points separate league leader Sydney FC and last placed North Queensland Fury.

The Mariners sit six points off the summit and know a win on Saturday is vital to ensuring they remain within reach of the leaders.

“We keep going on about winning two or three games in a row, it’s so important to anybody, and Adelaide’s in the same boat. If we win we’re back up there," McKinna said.

“We still have another two games away from home after this until we’re back at Bluetongue so it’s important we scrap things out away from home. We started that in Brisbane and now its important we get something at our home away from home."

The style McKinna’s side has been displaying throughout the current campaign has also begun to turn the heads of critics, as a steely defensive resolve has left the side with the most miserly back-four in the league, having conceded just eight goals so far, ensuring too, the second best goal-difference.