The Jets entered the top six for the first time this season after defeating Brisbane 2-0 with arguably their best showing of the young campaign.

And it came in the comforts of their home ground, where they had played just twice over the opening six rounds that netted them just one win before Sunday.

In contrast, league leaders Perth have played three at home, while second-placed Melbourne have hosted four of their first six fixtures.

Both teams were again winners at home in round seven.

"I can talk about the poor draw when you've won," Merrick said.

"The top two teams have probably had more games at home than anyone. Victory have got four home games out of six and two away.

"Perth's had home, away, home, away for the first six games, so they've had three."

The Jets aren't the only team to have had the travel bug, with Western Sydney and Sydney FC also forced to go on the road for four of their opening six games.

The Wanderers have started off slowly but sit seventh, while the Sky Blues are third despite their own early-season struggles.

However, Merrick believes the draw is an issue, and suggests rules need to be tightened to ensure teams play to a strict home-and-away format.

"To play four away games and two at home against the two top teams, there's something wrong with our draw when we have to keep doing this," he said.

"Everyone should play home and away and, if we can't get the big stadiums, we should use the small stadiums like Mudgee. That worked out a treat.

"We just can't be held to ransom by stadiums."

Last year's grand finalists get a chance to cement their spot in the top six when they host the Glory next week - at home.

Perth consolidated top spot with a strong 1-0 win over Melbourne City, continuing their unbeaten start to the season.

Their 17 points from a possible 21 is their best start in club history.

Western Sydney returned to winning ways with a decisive 2-0 win over Central Coast, setting up next week's intriguing derby against last-start losers Sydney FC.

The Sky Blues were stunned 3-1 on their own turf by Wellington - led by Roy Krishna - in what was easily their worst effort of the season.

And in the other game of round seven, Melbourne Victory import Ola Toivonen stole the spotlight from Keisuka Honda in their 2-0 victory over Adelaide.

Australian Associated Press