Hoffman builds confidence as Jets look toward F3 Derby
By: Mitchell |
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Making a darting run across the defensive line, he welcomed the ball into his feet and with ease he shrugged off an opponent and darted to the left of me. Then he unleashed his left foot, striking the ball from 25 yards into the top left corner. Every player, manager and spectator of this Under 15 match knew that this kid named Jason Hoffman was going places. So it was no surprise to me that Sunday saw the Hamilton Olympic junior net his first and second A-league goals. Since his debut exactly two years ago, Hoffman has found it difficult to prove himself as a goal-scoring threat and was relegated to the left flank or even the sideline. But after the Jet’s Asian Champions League campaign and several starting births (and goals) for the Young Socceroos, Hoffman has gained copious amounts of experience and his 09/10 A-League campaign was always going to be his year. So after Round one, Hoffman leads the golden boot standings for the 09/10 season and my guess is that his name will remain in most people’s fantasy team. It looks Branko Culina’s change of system to a more direct approach of play has increased Hoffman’s scoring chances as his strike partner Petrovski will continue to make holes for the youngster. Since Sunday, whispers coming from the local media suggest Hoffman may look for an overseas contract – and if he continues to impress, then why not?
Finally, Jets fans have something to smile about. It took its time, but finally our team looked the goods on the park due to an intelligent and entertaining brand of football employed by Culina. The 3-2 win against the New Zealand outfit has given us three points, but more importantly it has given us confidence, which is vital at this point in the season.
Now to the big one. Ever since the founding of the Hyundai A-league, there has be no secret that a Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners fixture holds something special. A F3 Derby match (named after the stretch of road separating these fierce rivals) has never failed to entertain. Many famous matches in the A-league’s short history have involved the meeting of the Jets and the Mariners. As a Jets man, there is no way I would miss this fixture, and by looking at the opening rounds results, this one looks it will be a gem. Both teams registered opening round wins, the Central Coast’s more impressing. Shrugging off criticism of boasting a squad incapable of pushing a finals birth, the Mariners shocked the Victory on their doorstep to steal away all three points.
With the Jets finally hitting form and the Mariners’ front man Simon in goal scoring form, forecasts for Friday night show a heavy rain of goals.
Prediction: 2-2
Category: Jets Team News
Jet’s take-off jittery, but can Culina calm nerves?
By: Mitchell | 2 Comments
Where to start?
So much has happened since the whistle was blown on the Jet’s A-league season in January, too much. The Off-season should be a period of time for all involved in the club to evaluate the past season and to establish goals for the next campaign. It seems no such approach was taken as we are once again days from the beginning of a new season looking undercooked and ill-prepared.
The past 4 months has been a testing time for those who live and breathe football in the Hunter region. We have seen our fair share of turmoil within the club which didn’t seem to stop even when players weren’t playing, and when coaches weren’t coaching. But along with my fellow Novocastrians, I rather not dwell on the events of the past and would like to look forward to the season ahead.
As a football fan through and through, the beginning of a new campaign is very similar to starting a new job; it’s hard to know what to expect, it’s nerve-racking and every Friday afternoon ends with a few lagers. Especially this season, helped by the introduction of new teams and talent, it seems football in Australia is turning a corner. Unable to maintain the momentum of the World Cup euphoria from 2006, Version four of the A-league saw crowds decline. But since our recent achievements on the world stage, the fifth instalment of the A-league will be the biggest by far. The buzz around the recruitment of players like Robbie Fowler, Jason Culina and Mile Sterjovski puts a strong argument forward that this season will be an outstanding one.
Recruitment has seemed to be a term that the Newcastle Jets haven’t understood. From our short history we have failed to sign a foreign player capable of raising an eyebrow. A list continues to grow, the list titled ‘Recruitment flops’. And speaking for all Jets fans, we are sick of it. Again and again we fail to secure the services of quality players due to the policies that our owner and management stand by. So when news filtered through yesterday that our saviour, the man to carry the Jet’s 09/10 season hopes, Fabio Vignaroli refused to sign as our marquee player and would return to his homeland, I wasn’t surprised. So here we sit 3 days away from kicking off the 2009/10 A-league season without a Marquee player, without a major sponsor and without a full roster. It’s not looking great so far.
But the reality is, we are playing in three days time. Regardless of our stubborn owner’s policies, regardless of whether we can score goals, regardless of whether fans will come and watch, we will be kitting up against the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday afternoon at 3pm. It will be Branko Culina (newly appointed as head coach after Gary Van Egmond’s departure) who will be looked upon to steer the Jets towards the top half of the ladder. After his time at Sydney FC came to an abrupt end, many believed Culina didn’t have what it takes to be a successful A-league manager. But I believe the man will deliver the goods, and it all begins this Sunday!
Finally, sitting as very long odds to compete for the championship, I believe the Jets have been extremely underrated. If we can revisit the form we found during the Asian Champions League, we are more than capable of reaching the finals this season. Even though our preparation has not been ideal, players like Milicevic, Elrich, Kantarovski, Vignaroli and De Groot can really make a major impact when they reach their optimal performance. And lets hope for football in Newcastle’s sake they do!
It is going to be an interesting season….
Mj.
Category: Jets Team NewsJets in Crisis – Season slips away
By: Mitchell | Add Comments
Amongst the boardroom, dressing rooms, the terraces and the households, it was obvious that the Newcastle Jets needed to start gaining points. This was the realisation of many prior to the clash against the Queensland Roar at Energy Australia Stadium at the beginning of November.
One month on and the Jets are still in the same boat – but worse.
Only one point from a possible 12, the Jets are well and truely in crisis mode. For the first time since Nick Theodorakopoulos’ reign, Newcastle’s footballing community have themselves worried. Managerial problems, contract issues, suspensions, poor results, low crowd attendances and performance flops reflect the Jets position on the A-league table, seventh.
The month of November is one that Jets supporters rather forget. Numerous interuptions and issues have helped distract our players from defending our crown. Speaking for myself, and other novacastrians, it has become painful. Painful to watch our team. A team that was once the Kings of Australian football. A team now fighting to survive. A team attracting embarrasment. A team that is letting its town down.
As i write this, we sit seventh. And hours from becoming eighth.
Mark my words: It is crucial that we pick up points this weekend against Adelaide.
If we dont, 2008/09 season final series will be unreachable.
Lets go Jets!
Category: Jets Team NewsIt’s D-Day: Jets v Mariners
By: Mitchell | Add Comments
When the A-league fixtures are released every year, there is only one match that draws my immediate interest, and that’s the clash between the Newcastle Jets and Central Coast Mariners. This was no difference this year as I sought the fixture date and then circled the 24th October on my calendar as the day, D-day. Derby Day!
Ever since the formation of the Hyundai A-league, the clash between these two sides has always brought along flashes of excitement, passion and at times controversy. From extra time winners, late equalisers and contentious penalties to on field antics, heated comments and the spine chilling atmospheres, this fixture has added character to the A-league like no other fixture has ever before. The Jets have outplayed the Mariners in recent meetings, most famously in the 2007/08 A-league Grand final where a Mark Bridge strike helped give Newcastle their first A-league crown. Since that eventful afternoon, the people of the Central coast have longed to avenge the loss, but have failed to do so yet. And after tonight, will have to wait longer.
In football, there is nothing like a local derby. All around the world, the concept of a local derby divides towns, cities and even families. The F3 Derby is no different to this. It’s the geographically closest match the A-league has to offer, and it is fitting that it is celebrated.
Newcastle Jets will look to embed themselves within the top 4 with a win at Bluetongue Stadium tonight. By looking at recent form, the Mariners should be concerned after their disappointing performance against the lowly Wellington Phoenix last week. With Joel Griffiths fully recovered from his thigh injury, the Jets striker will earn a starting role, possibly supporting Edmundo Zura, who will be looking to net his first A-league goal.
Only weeks after resigning Gary van Egmond, Mark Jones and Joel Griffiths, the Newcastle Jets have secured the services of Olyroos captain Mark Milligan on a seven week guest stint starting this week, and also for next season. Being so young, Milligan has not only remained fit despite not having a club since January, but offers a great degree of experience. He will be a valuable asset to the Jets over the next seven weeks and throughout next season.
Despite missing our younger players due to international duties, the Jets will still remain a strong outfit when they take the field tonight in Gosford. I am really excited about this fixture and am hoping the Jets will capitalise on the weakened Mariners squad (and support) and record a convincing victory.
If you’re thinking about heading down to the match, there are trains running frequently to Gosford. As Novocastrians, it is our duty to support our team. And by looking at last week’s performance, the Jets are beginning to hit their stride.
Prediction: Jets 3-1
Category: Jets Team NewsIts all just a case of Bad luck – Things will improve
By: Mitchell | 2 Comments
Well, it happened again. Disappointed Jets fans poured out of the stands of Energy Australia Stadium. Puzzled was I at the crowd attendance, but post match I can now understand the frustration that fans are feeling.
A Shane Smeltz’s double gave Wellington Phoenix a valuable away point and left a sour taste in the mouth of Gary van Egmond. The Jets led the match thanks to a Tarek Elrich strike and a Kaz Patafta poach, but the joy was short lived as a tired Matt Thompson brought down Leilei Gao, giving the Phoenix a 90th minute penalty and therefore a share of the spoils.
2-2 it remained.
‘Bad luck’ would best describe the season so far. With injuries, distractions and last minute equalisers, surely the footballing gods will begin to show us some mercy. It was obvious that Monday’s fixture was sorely missing the impact of our missing stars. With a two week rest upon us, it is vital we fix any injury issues and regroup before the important Jets v Victory clash.
Obviously, this season has not gone according to plan for the Jets. We cannot exactly boast of our start to the season, with only the one win from seven attempts. But we should not be reading too much into this statistic. We have recorded four draws, all of which could quite possibly been wins with the Jets dominating much of the match. Therefore, as agreed by most of the Newcastle faithful, it comes down to our final third. If the likes of Edmundo Zura, Jesper Hakansson, Jin-Hyung Song and of course, Joel Griffiths can start hitting the net, then the Jet’s season will begin to turn. It is all in the finishing.
Despite the FIFA Match Day break, the Newcastle Jets Youth team will take on the Queensland Roar Youth team at Perry Park on Sunday. Good luck to the boys and hopefully we can go one better this week and record a win.
On Saturday 18th October, Melbourne will travel north to Newcastle hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder. It will be a massive test for the Jets having recorded our worst ever lost at the hands of the Victory only last month. As seen in the past, the Jets feed off their support. So I urge you, if you’re in the area, get to the game next Saturday night. We will need all the support we can get. The victory will be dripping of confidence and are turning out as the team to beat this season.
Good luck to the boys and hopefully we can record our first home win next week.
Category: Jets Team NewsEgmond Extends as Jets prepare for Reds
By: Mitchell | Add Comments
It’s the news all Novocastrians were waiting for: Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond today agreed to extend his contract another three years, keeping ‘Dutchy’ and assistant Mark Jones at the club until the completion of the 2012/2013 season. Since the axing of Nick Theodorakopoulos, Van Egmond and Jones have produced a highly respectable and entertaining brand of football that has seen the Jets claim the clubs first A-league crown. As an adamant Jets supporter, it feels comforting to see that this partnership has a future. Finally there is light at the end of the ‘Jets managment’ tunnel
From great news to ground breaking news, Joel Griffiths is within hours of announcing his future plans with the Jets. A deal, that will see the Jets frontman remain at Newcastle until the end of his playing career, was offered to Joel last night. Along with thousands of Jets supporters and Miron Bleiberg, I will be eagerly awaiting the announcement. Joel has been a godsend, paving the way for our championship season last year. I can only hope that “the One” realises that this town loves him and that when it comes to sport, there is no other city that comes close to Newcastle.
The Jets are awaiting a reply from Griffiths, which is expected to be announced after their Saturday night clash in Adelaide.
And now to that very match. Newcastle Jets travel to Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday night to take on Adelaide United. The Jets will be high on confidence after they recorded a much needed win against Queensland Roar last Friday. Joel Griffiths once again proved his worth, scoring in the final minutes to bail the Jets out of jail once again. Ever improving Ecuadorian Edmundo Zura will miss the match due to a back injury and will be surely missed. His physical presence against the tired Adelaide backline would have been a valuable asset. Jesper Hakansson returns and will either slip into a ‘screening’ midfield role or an attacking wide player, depending on how Gary wants to use Joel Griffiths.
Adelaide’s midweek performance against the Kashima Antlers proved that we Australians have what it takes to wrestle with other Asian clubs. But the question that remains on everybody’s lips is whether the Reds can recover from their historic victory on Wednesday night. I just cannot see Adelaide’s finest surviving the entire ninety minutes.
Progression would be the word to describe the week the Jets’ have had. If the past eight days is anything to go by, the Jets will grab all three points from underneath Adelaide’s doormat. Adelaide will be knocked off their Asian Champions League high horse with a comfortable Jets victory.
Category: Jets Team News
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