Two injury-time goals from Joel Griffiths allowed the Newcastle Jets to escape with a 3-3 draw with Perth Glory at Members Equity Stadium to keep alive their A-League finals hopes.

The Jets were down 2-1 going into injury-time before Griffiths spoiled the last home game for Perth favourite Bobby Despotovski.

Newcastle has just five days to recover before taking on minor premier Melbourne Victory, needing at least draw to book their place in the finals.

Perth finishes the season against bottom-placed New Zealand at North Harbour Stadium.

The Jets grabbed an early advantage when captain Nick Carle scored his fourth goal of the season in the 12th minute when he pounced on a rebound from Glory keeper Tommi Tomich.

Perth created the best chances for the rest of the half before receiving a penalty when Newcastle's Jade North was hit in the arm while in the box.

Simon Colosimo coolly put it past Ante Covic in the 41st minute.

The Jets were dealt a cruel blow midway through the second half when defender Steve Eagleton was taken off on a stretcher with an apparently serious leg injury.

Their troubles were further compounded when two quick goals put Perth ahead 3-1.

Jamie Harnwell was there to slot the ball into the back of the net after a blistering shot hit the cross bar in the 79th minute.

Two minutes later, thanks to a perfect Leo Bertos cross, Josip Magdic slotted home the first goal of his season.

Griffiths' first goal appeared little more than a consolation for Newcastle two minutes into injury time.

But in the last attacking move of the match, he got on the end of a perfect cross and slotted a jumping shot past Tomich for the thrilling equaliser.

Despotovski returned from a back injury for one last hurrah and replaced David Micevski to start the second half.

Despotovski played 241 matches, scored 113 goals, played in two National Soccer League championships with the Glory, was a four-time club champion, A-League player of the year last season and also represented Australia on four occasions for five goals.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP