The next 11 weeks could well define the Wellington Phoenix's season, with seven games on the road.
It's not a place they've enjoyed much success, with only four wins in Australia from more than 55 attempts.
They are yet to taste success on the road this season and their ability to turn that around will decide whether they will not only make the playoffs, but also earn the right to host a knockout game at their beloved Westpac Stadium.
Two seasons ago the Phoenix hosted a pair of playoff games in front of bumper crowds in Wellington and prevailed twice as they made their way to within one game of the grand final before they were stopped by Sydney FC 4-2 in the preliminary final.
Phoenix forward Paul Ifill wants his team-mates to have a more attacking attitude on the road and suggested last week that hoping to pick up a point from a draw wasn't the right attitude to take.
"Let's have a go at going all-out attack on those away games and winning some points.''
Ifill said there was no point going away and looking for a point (for a draw).
"We rarely do that anyway. So let's go and try and get three and, if we come away with nothing, we come away with nothing.''
Herbert didn't exactly agree with Ifill's assessment and said the side had the right attitude, but felt it was more a case of being better in the front third of the pitch.
"I think we can be a little bit tentative and I wouldn't say we've been [in our shells],'' Herbert said. "There have been games this year that we've been quite good and chances have fallen our way but we haven't had the ability to put them in the back of the net. I think that's more hurting us.
"If we were travelling away and we weren't getting chances I think it'd be a different story. But we are certainly creating some [chances]. Probably enough to score from, so if we can tighten that area up hopefully that's enough to turn that corner.''
The Phoenix's next encounter comes against Gold Coast United on Sunday and the under-performing men from the Glitter Strip will pose a tricky challenge for Wellington.
They have been miserly in defence in recent weeks despite the loss of All Whites' goalkeeper Glen Moss to a groin injury, although they haven't exactly been prolific on attack.
The Phoenix stay on in Australia after meeting Gold Coast to play the Newcastle Jets next Friday, a side which they have comfortably beaten twice at home this season.
Meanwhile, the club has begun negotiations with midfielder Dani Sanchez and utility Manny Muscat about extending their contracts.
Muscat's deal could be inked as early as this week, but Sanchez's might take longer as the club works through dealing with his Spanish agent.
Injury-replacement player Alex Smith's contract expires this week and Herbert will need to make a call whether they hold on to the versatile Smith or look for another international player during the transfer window.
It's likely they will hang on to the 26-year-old as they look to maintain continuity within the squad.
