Last season’s A-League Grand Final won’t be on Scott Neville’s mind when the Newcastle Jets take on Brisbane on Saturday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets defender Scott Neville says he won-t have last season-s A-League Grand Final on his mind when the Jets take on Brisbane Roar in a pre-season trial match in Tamworth on Saturday night.
Neville was a member of the Perth Glory side that were beaten 2-1 in the dying minutes of the 2011/12 Grand Final by Brisbane.
The right-back came on as a 75th minute substitute in the fixture meaning he was on the field when Roar striker Besart Berisha converted from the penalty spot in stoppage time to secure the title for Brisbane.
However, despite the painful circumstances in which his side lost, Neville said playing Brisbane for the first time since that occasion wouldn-t give Saturday-s game in Tamworth any added meaning.
“It doesn-t really have any extra significance for me personally,” he said.
“I think pre-season is just a gauge to see how we are travelling and obviously Brisbane are a fantastic team.
“We know how well structured they are so it-s just a test really to see how far we have come with the Newcastle Jets, and see how close we are to being as good as a side like Brisbane.”
The Jets returned to training for the final phase of their pre-season program this week after a one-week break.
With four pre-season friendlies scheduled over the next four weeks, Neville said the entire squad was eager to get more match practice under their belts.
“I feel pretty fresh, we-ve obviously done a couple of six-week training blocks now so everyone has been here for a while,” he said.
“Everyone has picked up their match sharpness and everyone is just looking forward to getting on with the games.”
Neville has been one of Newcastle-s most consistent performers in pre-season so far, starting in just about every one of the Jets- trial matches.
He said he expected every player in the squad to be putting their hand up for selection in the upcoming games.
“Obviously there are spots up for grabs and every player has to play as well as they can to make sure they cement a spot for the opening round and that is what all the players will be doing,” he said.
Match details:
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Scully Park, Tamworth
Saturday, September 1
Kick-off 6.30pm (gates open 5.30pm)
Ticket prices:
Gold (Adults $32)
Silver (Adults $27, Kids $19, Family $75)
General Admission (Adults $19, Kids $14, Family $55)
Tickets are available through West Tamworth Leagues Club or at www.wtlc.com.au.
