He’s only been in Newcastle for just over two weeks, but already Dylan Murnane can see evidence that this year can be a successful one.
The 26-year-old has spent the past five years plying his trade in Europe, both in Norway and Finland, where he made 60 appearances for IFK Mariehamn, 29 for Kongsvinger and eight for the defending Finnish champions, Helsinki.
However, the former Melbournian has come back to Australia not just to play, but to win.
Murnane has been part of successful teams before, notably the 2014/15 A-League winning Melbourne Victory side, and trusts that under new Manager, Arthur Papas, can achieve great things.
“We’ve been working really hard,” Murnane said.
“We want to win trophies. We’re not just here to play, we want to win. We want to achieve something this season and I believe we can.
“That’s why I came back, I really want to help this club.”
With an all-new coaching regiment, the left back identifies the competitive vibe around the team as the players compete for the starting eleven. The energy is really pushing him on.
“All the players are fighting for spots,” he said. “We want to impress the coaches. Every day is a chance to prove yourself.”
“Everyone’s been able to adapt into the system. It’s looking really positive in my eyes.
“I can feel every day that I’m getting better and fitter.”
Fitness will be vital for retaining a spot in this year’s starting side as Papas has made a particular emphasis for that throughout pre-season.
The squad has not only been working hard to gel on the pitch, but off the training field as well as they deal with the on-going lockdown restrictions together.
Murnane says the culture in the group is great to be a part of.
“Everyone’s been very welcoming at the Club so it’s been a pretty easy transition for me,” he said.
“Hearing English everywhere and understanding the banter – it’s good to be back in that sense.”
Murnane is just one of the many fresh faces who will pull on the Jets jersey this year along with fellow defenders Matt Jurman, Jordan Elsey and Dane Ingham.
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