For a bloke who openly admits he knows next to nothing about the A-League, Sunday's boilover at Parramatta came as a shock to the system to Newcastle Jets recruit Morten Nordstrand.
Just as he thought he was starting to come to grips with who's who in the competition, injury-plagued Wellington's surprise 5-2 rout of title contenders Western Sydney Wanderers has proved to the Danish striker that, at least in the A-League, there is no such thing as a sure thing.
It's timely, too, as the Jets prepare to host the suddenly lethal Phoenix on Saturday afternoon - a match they simply must win if their feint finals chances are to stay alive.
"I saw it on my TV. It was impressive," Nordstrand said of Wellington's demolition job.
"When I sat down and watched the game, I thought Western Sydney was the favourites. It turned out the other way.
"They were really clinical in front of goal and put all their chances away.
"We have to look out for the counter-attacks, they were dangerous."
January arrival Nordstrand might find himself inspired by Phoenix striker Blake Powell's star turn as he searches for his maiden Jets goal.
A former Sydney FC cast-off who spent last year playing in the National Premier Leagues with APIA Leichhardt, Powell surged into the A-League record books with a four-goal haul precious few saw coming.
"I don't know if he had more than the four chances he scored from, but it was quite impressive - good runs in the depth of the field," Nordstrand said.
Nordstrand, 32, played the first half of Newcastle's solid 2-2 draw in Brisbane last Friday night, but says he is now ready to start matches if coach Scott Miller wants him to.
Nordstrand is entering a huge few weeks from a personal perspective, his family are set to arrive in Australia next week and his contract to expire at the end of the season.
"For me, I enjoy being here. My family's coming in one week, if they like it here, maybe, and if the club wants me to stay... we'll see in the future," he said.
"I'm looking forward to playing a little bit more, to show myself and make a difference for the team."
