Newcastle United Jets

Jets not only made the play-offs for the first time in 8 years last spring, but they went all the way to the match for the title and were really close to lifting the trophy. Having excellent first year in charge coach Merrick, the manager with most A-League wins to his name, lost only goalkeeper Duncan from his main squad this summer and Jets look stronger than they were last season. Two players were brought from Phoenix, Merrick’s ex-club, plus an explosive Victory winger trying to resurrect his career after a year on the sidelines and also two new centre forwards to provide cover for O’Donovan. With them Jets are the only A-League team to have 4 centre forwards available in their ranks and unlikely many others their depth in attack is impressive. Playmaker Vargas had the bad luck to break his ankle early last season, but before the injury and late on after his recovery he showed great talent and if he is to stay fit all year this term Jets will definitely be looking even stronger. With settled squad and nice mix between youth and experience all over the pitch Jets look very well balanced for the start of the season and if the health of the few key players remains good throughout the campaign Blue and Reds are expecting to improve on their number of wins and goals scored from last year. Ugarkovic and Champness were just two of several youngsters that had breakthrough seasons last term and both of them are expected to continue their progressive developments this year. Dmitri Petratos is another one flourishing under Merrick and the fact that he is given complete freedom in the number ten role brings out the best of him. It is also worth mentioning that Jets were the strongest attacking team from set pieces last season and this is likely to continue with Petratos really good with dead-ball situations.