The Jets will be looking to continue their winning ways in the Westfield W-League as they take on the Victory in Melbourne this Friday.
Following a dramatic 3 – 3 draw with the Glory last-start, the Jets enjoyed some time off for the Christmas break to refresh and relax.
Coach Craig Deans said the break was a welcome one for his side.
“We’ve had girls that arrived straight from the US or Europe to start the season, plus a few that have been on national duties at different stages throughout the year,” said Deans.
“A little bit of a break like this can be helpful, we’ve taken some time to work on a few things and I think we’re primed to tackle the second half of the season.”
Deans was pleased to welcome back Matilda, Gema Simon who suffered a knee injury toward the end of her recent stint with Avaldnes in Norway.
It’s expected that Simon will return via the bench after a strong week at training.
“It’s great to have a player of Gema’s quality and experience returning to the side,” added Deans.
“She can play left back, she can push forward and she played in midfield a couple of times last season as well – she is athletic, quick and technically very good.”
The Round 10 fixture presents a dangerous one for Deans’ side, with the Victory sitting 6 points behind the Jets on a congested W-League ladder.
“We’re currently sitting in the four and a win this week is really important,” said Deans.
“It’s tough to break in, but it’s very easy to fall out (of the top four).”
“The Victory have a lot of quality across the park, we’ll need to be at our best and I think the girls are up for it.”
Friday 29 December, 2017
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 5.20pm (AEDT)
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 501 and SBS Viceland from 5.20pm
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Newcastle Jets: 2.Hannah BREWER, 3.Natasha PRIOR, 5.Arin GILLILAND, 6.Cassidy DAVIS, 7.Gema SIMON, 8.Sophie NENADOVIC, 9.Katie STENGEL, 10.Emily VAN EGMOND, 11.Cortnee VINE, 14.Tara PENDER, 16.Nikola ORGILL, 17.Jenna KINGSLEY, 18. Clare WHEELER, 20.Claire COEHLO (gk), 21.Pana PETRATOS, 23.Tori HUSTER, 28.Britt ECKERSTROM (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 7.Gema SIMON (return from injury)
Outs: N/A
Unavailable: 12.Tara ANDREWS (hip – 1 week)
