“Last weekend we displayed a great effort against top of the table dwellers & proved that we are still in it to win it,” Deans said.
Last weekend we displayed a great effort against top of the table dwellers, Central Coast Mariners, holding them to a 1-all draw on their home turf. It was great to see the boys put in such a huge effort and prove that even though we are further down the ladder, we are still in it to win it.
Our overall performance was impressive, a massive improvement from last week. The team created some early goal scoring opportunities and was able to capitalise on one and convert, which was pleasing.
With all the hype that we can-t win away from home it was nice to prove them wrong; especially when the Mariners are on the top of the ladder.
Unfortunately this week we lose two main players with Tiago Calvano sidelined due to suspension and Francis Jeffers still out with a foot injury. However we will be focusing on the positives that being Tarek Elrich is back from suspension and Captain Jobe Wheelhouse has returned to training.
Jobe has had about 2-3 full training sessions in the last few weeks and is doing really well. He still has work to do but his fitness is great and he is looking smart on the field. There is no pressure for him to step back onto the field just yet, but when he is ready and fully recovered he will be back in full swing.
Also stepping up to the plate has been youngster Connor Chapman. Connor has been training with the Jets for the last three weeks and he is showing real potential. He is comfortable on the field and amongst the boys, which is refreshing to watch.
His enthusiasm and energy is a great asset and I have no doubt that over the next few weeks Gary and I will be taking a closer look at him for a starting eleven position.
We host Wellington Phoenix tomorrow night and I anticipate it to be another physical, high-pressure game. The Phoenix are such a well organised team and we will have to be prepared to shut down their key goal scoring players early in the game.
We will remain switched on for the entirety of the match and stay focused on our game. We are lucky as we have the home crowd advantage, but we can-t become complacent. Our Members and supporters are wonderful and the boys really feed off their energy. We will be keen for the three points.
Again we will be playing high intensity football, which I think the boys have proven they can play. Especially in the match against Melbourne Victory when we had to play virtually the whole second half with only ten men.
As we reach the business end of the season we will be looking to gain as many points as we can. Consistency is paramount if we want to make finals football and that-s what we will be aiming for.
Craig
