Our Liberty A-League side has enjoyed a strong start to their 2021/22 campaign, with their current three game unbeaten streak seeing them to fifth spot on the ladder and within striking distance of the top four.
After COVID-19 forced the postponement of their last fortnight of fixtures, our Jets are hoping to finally return to the pitch this Sunday against Perth Glory at the No.2 Sportsground.
Our women have jagged two wins in the opening five matches of the season, already equalling their tally of wins last season. It marks the beginning of what could be a great turnaround for the side, who are in search of their first finals appearance since the 2017/18 season.
Gema Simon is one player that has noticed a stark difference in our performances so far, having been watching from the sidelines due to injury.
The veteran says from what she’s seen, the sky’s the limit – even if the team doesn’t quite realise it yet.
“[This season] definitely has a different feel about it,” Simon said.
“From the start of pre-season to where we are at now, [the difference] in the last 10 weeks has been pretty incredible.
“I honestly don’t think the girls realise how good of a team we can be at the moment.”
The co-captain is a foundation player, debuting with the club back in 2008 and is the most capped Jets woman in our history.
Although she has yet to feature for the Jets so far this season, the two-time Jets Player of the Year recipient says the intent from the side since day one of pre-season has been apparent.
“I see them day-in day-out for the last couple of months and [this season] is really exciting to be apart of,” she said.
“Everyone seems pretty dedicated and we are all on the same page of what we want to achieve this season.”
However, our Jets will have to do it without Matildas star Emily Van Egmond after her spell at the club came to a close earlier this week.
Regardless, it’s clear the 112-game Australian capped woman has left a lasting imprint on the players at the club.
Striker Sophie Harding says although Van Egmond will be missed on the pitch, her absence will give other players the perfect opportunity to try and fill her shoes.
“She [Van Egmond] was awesome,” Harding said.
“She is a super dominant player so it will suck losing her, but we have other players that could step up to that role.
“She’s an awesome player so I guess we are all sort of aiming to do things she’s done and get on that level.”
The Jets will return to spiritual home No.2 Sportsground against Perth Glory this Sunday – their first game at the venue since March last year.
Harding acknowledged the enormity of the fixture as they look to leapfrog fourth placed Adelaide United who are two points ahead of the Jets on the ladder.
“Perth are a good team, we have watched them and they are doing a lot better this year than they were doing last year,” Harding said.
“We are definitely not taking any teams lightly.
“It should be a good game and we are really determined to take the three points this weekend and keep getting wins and points on the table.”
