The Jets continued their preparation for their clash against Western Sydney with an intra-club match at Ray Watt Oval on Thursday.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets continued their preparation for their final round clash against Western Sydney Wanderers with an intra-club match at Ray Watt Oval on Thursday.
Assistant coach Craig Deans said the Jets coaching staff were pleased with the effort and intensity shown by the players on a hot morning in Newcastle.
“I think two weeks at this stage of the season without a game is not ideal, so I think it was important that we got 90 minutes into the majority of them,” Deans said.
“It was also a good opportunity to work on the tactical side of things that we-re looking at as well the fitness side of the game.
“The first 60 or 70 minutes was very good. Once we gave a few players a rest towards the end, the intensity dropped a little bit, but overall it was very positive and we got what we wanted out of the game.”
Deans said the Jets will continue to ramp up their preparations next week ahead of the do-or-die clash with the Wanderers on Good Friday.
“Obviously we have to win the game and it-s a like a finals game already for us. Western Sydney may come here needing a win to clinch the Premiers Plate, so it-s shaping as a very big game,” Deans said.
“It-s a match that we can-t take lightly so we need to ensure the intensity and application of all the players is spot on come next Friday night.”
With the Jets- season on the line and a large crowd expected at Hunter Stadium for the clash, Deans said he is confident the Jets players will have no problems handling the big occasion.
“I think they-ll enjoy the experience. I think the first away game we had down in Sydney gave them a taste of playing in front of a big crowd and a big game atmosphere and we performed quite well in that game,” Deans said.
“I think the crowd is something you have to use to your advantage as a player and it can give you a lift which is a real positive.
“With it being a home game for us, we-ll have the majority of the supporters there and it-s something we should embrace.”
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
