Melbourne Victory beware, Sydney FC is angry.

That's the message from Blues coach Terry Butcher, who says his men have had enough of the off-field dramas surrounding the club, and are building perfectly towards knocking the minor premier over when the A-League finals roll around at the end of the month.

The Sydney FC board on Tuesday again postponed its decision to appeal the loss of three points and a $129,000 fine for salary cap breaches. It has until Friday to respond.

On the field, Sydney is peaking, unbeaten in its last nine, and on Monday night dismantling top four aspirants Newcastle Jets 2-0 in front of a record 20,980 at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

It was the defending champion's most important win of the season. And one of its best displays.

The three points at Newcastle leave Sydney secure in second spot regardless of whether it loses three later in the week.

And this Sunday it is expected to beat last-placed New Zealand at Aussie Stadium.

"The criticisms that have come our way, particularly against me, reflect on the players as well. They've been called a lot of things ... and they're hurt as well," Butcher said.

"(But) the boys have the mentality for big games. When it comes to the business end of the season they want to be in the mix. They want to be there.

"They know what it's like to win it.

"I've said to the players the best is yet to come from them. I think they're getting better, they're definitely improving. The quality's improving. The team shape and bonding and spirit is improving all the time.

"To come to Newcastle and play the way we did, and to win, it just shows the side has a lot of character and a lot of bottle."

Sydney veteran Steve Corica echoed the thoughts of his boss, but had his energies focused short-term.

"Next week's the crucial game against New Zealand. We need the three points then," the 33-year-old midfielder said.

"Then we go on and take Melbourne."

While Sydney is building towards a finals onslaught, Melbourne is saving itself.

Since clinching the minor premiership and an automatic semi-final berth before Christmas, Victory has taken its foot off the accelerator and is focused on maintaining personnel.

This Sunday it is expected to field an unusual line-up in Perth, as coach Ernie Merrick gives inexperienced players game time to ensure they aren't too raw should they need to come in for any injured first-team regulars at finals time.

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