The reigning premiers played out a 0-0 draw with the Newcastle Jets in Saturday's pre-season match against the Newcastle Jets.

Both sides had a huge number of chances in attack, with Milos Ninkovic and Adam Le Fondre both missing the target during some of the Sky Blues' best moments.

But a second successive clean sheet against A-League opposition - the other coming against Wellington earlier in the month - was a major positive.

The Sky Blues were slightly lucky not to concede a goal after Ryan McGowan conceded a penalty when he brought down Kaine Sheppard, but the Jets couldn't make it count as striker Dimi Petratos powered his shot into the upright.

READ ALSO:

- Lack of goals but no shortage of entertainment for thousands at Apex Oval

- 'I'm going to get a lot of chances': Frustrated Petratos focuses on the positives

- 'It's too hard': Hewitt the latest to call for change of Challenge date

McGowan recovered and alongside Rhyan Grant, a regular right-back, marshalled the defence and kept the Jets out while also moving the ball forward.

"It probably wasn't a nil-nil, there was a lot of goal-mouth action," McGowan admitted after the game.

"Which was good and overall it was a good hit-out for us in terms of playing a competitive game and getting a clean sheet.

"It was just disappointing we didn't score."

The McGowan-Grant centre-back pairing was one most Sky Blues fans at Apex Oval weren't expecting to see given the latter's proven quality on the right.

Coach Steve Corica made the move to give Paulo Retre some time on the right, with Grant expected to miss the start of the season due to Socceroos commitments.

"I was itching to go on a few runs and I got the chance a couple of times," Grant said post-game, with his regular raids forward not seen as much in Dubbo.

"I definitely prefer right back but you play where you're put. Obviously they're prepping in case I make the national time for round one and Paulie can play there and we put that in the play.

"Id' prefer to be on the right, getting forward but it was something different and that's good fun."

McGowan and Grant were among the Sydney FC players to also spend the most time on the field post-game, posing for countless photos and signing autographs.

Canowindra product Grant was hugely popular given his western area roots but his defensive partner also proved a hit.

"I remember being a kid once and getting to see and A-League game so it's great to give back to the community," McGowan said.

"They've come out in good numbers so the least we can do is hang around and sign a new autographs."

Grant agreed, saying the chance to pay in front of family and friends back in his home region is something he's been keen to do for some time.

"I've been itching for us to get out this way and I heard the Jets have got a W-League game coming out this way as well so it's great they're getting out to the country and giving the bush kids something to watch," he said.

"It's nice to get out here and hang out with people who's shoes I was in 20-odd years ago."

Sydney FC starts its A-League premiership defence away at Adelaide on October 11.