Hoffman builds confidence as Jets look toward F3 Derby

By: Mitchell | August 12th, 2009

Young Jet Jason Hoffman lobs the ball over Paston into the unguarded net. Jets win 3-2 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