Michael Bridges says the Jets are expecting to face a fired-up Perth Glory outfit when the two sides meet on Friday night.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Michael Bridges says the Jets are expecting to face a fired-up Perth Glory outfit when the two sides meet at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.
The Jets currently sit in fifth place on the A-League ladder, five points ahead of the ninth-placed Glory, who also have a game in hand.
With Perth desperate to keep their hopes of making the A-League finals alive and the Jets looking to consolidate their place in the top six, both teams are expected to leave nothing to chance on Friday night.
“To be honest, all the games going in now are important, not just this one,” Bridges said.
“This is about character and this is about showing a bit of pride and passion, the rest will follow.
“Every game is vital from now on in, whether it-s a league game or whether it-s a finals game.
“We always talk about must-wins, but I always say it-s a must not lose. We-ve got to get a result whether it-s three points or one point.
“That will keep us in the mix and that-s all we want.”
Bridges said it is important that the Jets match Perth-s commitment and energy throughout the contest in order to come away with something from the match.
“They never are an easy team to play against,” he said.
“The joy we-ve got is that we have the home tie. We know what the journeys are like and the travelling, so hopefully they come over here a little bit of lethargic and we can capitalise on that and put on a performance.
“It-s about staying compact, keeping areas tight and not giving them any space.”
While the Jets will be without a handful of key players due to injuries and suspension, Bridges is confident those who come into the team as replacements will be up to the task.
“Emile (Heskey) was a big loss early on in the week and (Zenon) Caravella-s going to be another big loss because he-s come in and been an inspiration,” Bridges said.
“But you wait for your chance, one man-s misery is another man-s gain and it-s all about how you step into those shoes and take those opportunities when they arise.
“The boys will be pumped up for it and wanting to keep their spot.”
Newcastle Jets v Perth Glory
Friday, March 8
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.30pm
Tickets from PROticket.
PCYC Newcastle is being supported at this week’s Jets game against the Perth Glory.
The charity box and 20 reserved seating tickets have been donated to PCYC as a reward for participants in their young offender program.
The program aims to give these youngsters a second chance, and, Senior Constable Brendan Haile will be speaking pre-game about the PCYC and its many, vital community programs.
