Football Season Guide

Despite deservedly topping the table last season, they embarrassed themselves by failing to overcome regional rivals Sydney FC despite running the show in both legs of the play-off. Still, qualification for the Asian Champions League Elite was at least assured. They made some huge losses pre-season though, somewhat predictably - they don't have the finances to keep players that anyone else wants. Star attackers Taylor and Rose headlined their departed personnel, along with centre-back Natta, creative midfielder Eli Adams, defensive midfielder Grozos (a regular before his injury), and even striker Gibson, initially earmarked as Rose's replacement. They naturally had to do a lot of business in terms of incomings but without spending too much. Therefore, their marquee signing Joe Lolley was a potentially brilliant acquisition - he's dominated the A-League for Sydney FC before, although keeping him fit is going to be a tall order. Experienced CB Grant should replace Natta well enough, and bringing in bullish Wood up front should prove a very good signing indeed - he plays well with confidence, and he'll game time here. He's the same kind of forward as Rose was, although a bit better in terms of chance conversion. Just in case though, they also brought in Greek bruiser Vergos to help out. They're short of players that can produce something from nothing though, especially after losing Bayliss and Taylor. Clough - if fit - can do that job but nobody really knows what condition he's in, having barely featured last season. They're hoping Bertoncello will step up, and I get it - he had plenty of very promising moments last season - but it's still a gamble. They've had injury problems at CB early in their Asian Champions League Elite campaign, which is a worry. Most of all though, they've lacked cohesion, which is understandable when you factor in how many key players they've lost at the same time. Over the past few years - even before they finished top last season - they've shown great signs of fight, belief, and togetherness though. Therefore, it's hard to doubt them at least having a decent campaign, although they look a long way short of silverware, especially when you factor in their continental commitments. Still, the Jets are the kings of springing surprises; they're better at picking up results when they're not expected to than they are winning supposedly straightforward matches. There's no reason to believe that will change as they still have a small club mentality. It's hard to know what to expect from them, but it shouldn't be a title push, and they shouldn't embarrass themselves either.