Josh Brillante says the mood in the Jets camp is positive ahead of their all-or-nothing match-up with Western Sydney next Friday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets utility Josh Brillante says the mood in the Jets camp is positive ahead of their all-or-nothing match-up with Western Sydney Wanderers at Hunter Stadium on Friday week.
Should the Wanderers defeat Sydney FC in the Sydney Derby on Saturday night, the Jets face the prospect of coming up against a Western Sydney outfit with 11 consecutive wins under their belt and a Premiers Plate in their trophy cabinet.
The Jets meanwhile have picked up just one point from their last three matches, but showed plenty positive signs in their two most recent outings against Perth Glory and Adelaide United.
“In that situation where you-re playing well, but not getting results, it-s hard to keep the mood up, but you-ve got to keep your head up and keep training hard and (the results) will come along,” Brillante said.
“We-re doing all the right things right, but it-s just not coming off in the front third.
“Hopefully when we play the Wanderers in a couple of weeks we can get that result.”
Brillante said the Wanderers- current run of 10 straight victories was evidence of the importance building momentum in the A-League.
He said a win over an in-form Western Sydney in the last round of the regular season could give the Jets the confidence boost they need to make a deep run in the A-League Finals Series.
“They-ve been playing some great football the last couple of weeks and I think once you get a run with a couple of wins, confidence is high and you can keep winning games.
“The way the competition has gone this year, I think that any team can win the Championship.”
With no game scheduled for the Jets this weekend, Brillante said having some time off will be beneficial for his teammates after a physically and mentally taxing campaign.
“It-s tough having the extra week off since the whole season we-ve been playing week-in, week-out but I think it might freshen the legs up and it might be good for us,” he said.
Brillante-s versatility means he has been used in a variety of roles across the backline and midfield so far this season, but the 19-year-old said he has no trouble adapting to the different positions.
“I like both positions to be honest, but as long as I-m getting a game I-m happy. I-m happy playing (there) and just getting some game time,” Brillante said.
“You-ve just got to be aware of your positioning and little things like that to make the adjustment easier.”
Newcastle Jets v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, March 29
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
