Newcastle Jets assistant coach Michael Bridges says the Jets’ favourable record over Brisbane Roar in recent years will count for little when the defending Champions visit Hunter Stadium on Friday night.
The Jets are undefeated in their last five fixtures against the Roar, including winning all three encounters last season.
However, Bridges said the Jets would be taking nothing for granted when they set foot on Hunter Stadium on Friday.
“There’s no chance of complacency,” Bridges said.
“You go into every game with the same focus and looking to stick to your game plan.
“Over the years since I’ve been at the Jets, we’ve always seemed to have the upper hand over the Brisbane Roar, but that counts for nothing and goes out the window come Friday.
“They’re the reigning Champions and we know what they’re going to bring and it’s not going to be an easy game at all.
“They’re struggling for points at the moment, along with the Wanderers and it’s surprising to see those two Clubs at the bottom of the table.
“Sooner or later they’re going to win games and it’s our job to make sure that doesn’t come this weekend for Brisbane.”
Bridges said the Jets would look to build on the positives from their 2-2 draw with undefeated Melbourne Victory last weekend.
“It’s not an easy game against the Victory and we knew that, but the lads put in a hell of a performance and ground out a result,” Bridges said.
“It was disappointing that we didn’t get the three points, but there were a lot of positives and just about everybody came out of the match unscathed.
“It’s going to be another tough physical battle and it’s a case of wrapping a few of the lads in cotton wool this week with the short turnaround and getting them fresh and firing on Friday.”
The Jets may be boosted by the return of Billy Celeski and Adrian Madaschi, with both players close to being available for selection following injury enforced lay-offs.
“Billy’s a breath of fresh air and he’s been great in training,” Bridges said.
“He’s one of these guys you can give a ball to in any situation, whether he’s got a man behind him or someone in front of him and he will handle it.
“He’s going to be a great piece of the jigsaw to have back and every addition helps.”
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Friday, November 14
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 7.40pm AEDT
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.
