After taking a point from Kogarah thanks to a determined fight back, our Jets prepare themselves for a home Double Header and for our new backline, the firm focus of defending like their “lives depend on it.”
This week’s opposition, Wellington, feature multiple names, particularly in the front third, that can do damage in front of goal and while the team’s exciting, aggressive style of play has produced goals, it has meant vulnerability at times from mistakes at the back.
Veteran defender Jordan Elsey made it clear a point of emphasis this weekend that there’ll be a ruthless attitude towards opponents in their penalty area.
“They’re [Wellington] an experienced side and they’ve got some game changing players” Elsey said.
“The defence line will have to be on our toes with that.
“Obviously It’s not great to concede goals as a defender. Matty [Jurman] and I will need to be a bit more ruthless in the box and defend it like our lives depend on it. But we’re doing alright.”
While the team still pushes for their first win of the season, there’s plenty of positives to take out of the weekend, especially that of the belief and spirit showed back the team after being down 2-0 at half-time away from home.
Following the match in Kogarah, Manager Arthur Papas commented on his pride of the team’s effort to get back into the game despite the circumstances, and the former Adelaide centre back was confident that the togetherness and bond in the group would turn their resolute performances into more points.
“We’re obviously happy to get a point away from Sydney,” he said.
“Not many teams can go there, go 2-nil down and get a result out of it. But in the same sense, we’re a little disappointed. I thought we created enough chances to win.
“The main message was to just not look at the scoreboard. ‘Play how we always play’. Arthur and the team have built that into us from day one. We need to be a little more ruthless in defending and attacking.
“We’re all getting along. I think everyone says that in every interview now, but it’s true – we’re a family.”
Having already played at McDonald Jones Stadium to kick-off of the season, Elsey will walk out onto the field in gold for just the second time this Friday and is excited once again to be in front of the home crowd.
The side weren’t able to get points in that opening clash, and go this weekend with extra motivation to perform for the local fans on a huge Double Header evening.
Elsey spoke of the atmosphere provided in that first round, and can’t wait to be a part of it again on Friday.
“Home games are massive for us,” he said.
“I saw in the first round that we have a great supporter base and they are our ’12th man’.
“It’s a double header this Friday night so there’s no reason why you wouldn’t want to come out and have a look at us. We’re playing an exciting brand of football and are waiting for that win.”
“We’re not going to stop until the last second.”
To secure your tickets to this Friday’s Double Header, see here.
