Ruben Zadkovich says the Jets are determined to make Hunter Stadium a fortress this season, starting against Perth on Sunday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets captain Ruben Zadkovich says the Jets are determined to make Hunter Stadium a fortress this season, starting with Sunday-s opening home game against Perth Glory.
After starting the season on the road against Sydney FC, Zadkovich said the Jets were looking forward to running out in front of their Members and supporters for the first time on Sunday.
“It-s obviously a massive game, with it being our first one at home,” Zadkovich said.
“All the Members and supporters who have stood by us and followed us through the pre-season will have the chance to see us play in Newcastle for the first time this season.
“We will be looking to go out there and play with the right attitude and right mentality to get a good result for them.”
Zadkovich said the Jets had set about fine-tuning some areas of their play, which had somewhat let them down in their 2-0 loss to Sydney FC in Round 1.
“I think Gary (van Egmond) is working on a few different options for the weekend-s game,” he said.
“We-ve only lost one game and we made a few simple errors there, so we-ll have to look to rectify that this weekend, but we-re quite confident we can get the result.
“We-ve been working hard here and the boys- attitude has been fantastic.
“Last week-s game is finished and we-re only looking forward to this weekend-s game against Perth.”
Zadkovich said the Jets will be boosted by the return from injury of veteran attacker Michael Bridges.
“It-s great to have him back for many reasons,” Zadkovich explained.
“He-s quality on the pitch, and he also brings confidence to the boys around him.
“Having someone like Michael in the team, who has been and done what he-s done and the type of person he is, is good for everyone.
“I think Bridgey is a fantastic player, and every game he plays, he makes things happen.
“He-s still creative and he-s still dangerous, so I-m really looking forward to him being back in the squad.”
