Despite the early morning start, the temperature soared at McDonald Jones Stadium in our rescheduled fixture against the Reds with the visitors snaring all three points with two goals in injury time.
The Jets lead for a large part of the game and the heartbreaking result sees a crucial result go begging as the Club’s injury toll worsens.
Craig Deans was already forced into a number of changes due to injury and suspension as Taylor Smith (knee), Katie Stengel (ankle) and Larissa Crummer (suspension).
In a further blow, diminutive central defender, Cass Davis hobbled off late in the clash and will await scans on an injured knee.
The Jets started strongly, dominating possession from the outset but were unable to break down a resolute Adelaide defence in a chanceless opening 15 minutes.
Emily van Egmond pushed higher up the park, covering for the absence of Katie Stengel as Cortnee Vine played at the point of attack.
Adelaide looked threatening, particularly from the set piece but the Jets defence stood tall with Davis, Brewer and Simon – making her 100th appearance for the Club – working tirelessly in front of an undisturbed Britt Eckerstrom.
A debut W-League goal for Teigan Collister in the 21st minute would put the Jets in front, after a sweeping run down the right flank drew Willacy well outside her area. The young attacker took full advantage, sneaking a shot just inside the far post from the sharpest of angles.
After the break it would be van Egmond who would go close to doubling the Jets advantage on two occasions, as she looked to take on Willacy from outside the area.
Adelaide got themselves back into the game as Fridriksdottir found the back of the net just before the hour mark, with a nice finish past a diving Eckerstrom.
Libby Copus-Brown entered the fold midway through the second half and made a crucial play soon after, with a goal line clearance to deny Michelle Heyman.
Tara Andrews made her return from an ankle injury off the bench, replacing Pana Petratos who made her starting debut for the Club.
Minutes before regulation time was over, the Jets found themselves in front thanks to an own goal from Laura Johns who misguided a header back over Willacy in goal.
However, disaster struck twice just minutes later with Isabel Hodgson and Veronica Latsko netting goals for the Reds to seal a come-from-behind win.
The Jets will head to Sydney next week to take on the Sky Blues
