Newcastle United Jets

Saved from the wooden spoon solely by an unexpected win away from home, against already guaranteed top spot Melbourne City, which coincidentally ensured that the hosts' bitter rivals Melbourne Victory finished bottom - make of that what you will. Most signings a disaster. Manager Deans resigned in sheer despair. The team is now led by inexperienced Papas, and he has the toughest job of anyone in the division. Most of the players that arrived are not noteworthy at this point. Penha already looks a terrific signing, he lit up their FFA Cup tie against Western United. Jurman is a very good centre-back, and has been made captain. Silvera has his moments. Elsey is a decent centre-back. They lost a lot of familiarity and experience though. The fans may have lambasted CB pair Topor-Stanley and Boogaard last season but now they have to play a campaign without either for the first time in a lot of years. Other good defenders like O'Toole (really impressive last season), Koutroumbis, and Donachie left too. Weaknesses - defence! Almost all their defenders left. Some replacements are decent but it's mostly regression. GK Duncan erratic. They're going to concede a lot of goals. No real reliable goal-scorer up front either. Strengths - lots of energy in midfield, and numerous creative threats now. Penha looks a real match-winner with his ferocious set pieces and excellent passing/vision. Yuel's dribbling, Thurgate's runs, Silvera's movement - potentially very good. Irreplaceable players - Daniel Penha, Yuel, Jurman.