Ruben Zadkovich has called on the club’s Members and supporters to be the Jets’ 12th man against Sydney FC on Saturday.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich has called on the club-s Members and supporters to be the Jets- 12th man for Saturday-s crucial showdown with Sydney FC at Hunter Stadium.
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Newcastle will go into Saturday-s clash full of confidence having been unbeaten in four matches and Zadkovich believes playing in front of a bumper crowd of passionate Novocastrians could help get the Jets over the line.
“We-ve got a really strong unit and the team spirit is high at the moment,” Zadkovich said.
“We-ve had a good run of results and defensively we-ve really tightened up.
“I think leading into this home game, in front of our home fans, if they can all get out there and support us it will be like having an extra man and I think we-ll be able to get the points.”
Zadkovich missed last week-s 1-1 draw with the Phoenix in Wellington due to suspension, but he said the enforced lay-off might have been a blessing in disguise.
“I feel fresh and missing that trip might have been a good thing for me,” he said.
“I thought the boys performed pretty well considering the circumstances and the history we-ve had in Wellington.
“To get a point was pretty big. It puts us in outright fifth and gives us a good chance leading into the home game to get three points.”
Zadkovich said the key to the Jets being able to secure their third win over Sydney FC this season would be limiting the impact of their forward pairing Alessandro Del Piero and Joel Griffiths.
“Obviously Del Piero is one in a million, he-s a class player and someone we-ve got to be wary of,” Zadkovich explained.
“Joel Griffiths has scored a bundle of goals at this ground and he-ll be looking to prove a point.
“In saying that, they-re a team that has struggled this year and they have some weaknesses and that-s what we have to focus on.
“Shutting down those two threats will probably go a long way towards winning the game.”
Off contract at the end of the season, Zadkovich has been in negotiations with the Club in recent weeks to secure a new deal and the 26-year-old said he is hopeful of extending his stay in Newcastle.
“I-d like to settle my future soon, but right now my focus is on doing my best for the team and I know if do that, the contract will sort itself out,” Zadkovich said.
“These things can take time, but we-ve just got to play it by ear and I-ve just got to keep working hard and doing my job.
“Newcastle is a great place and I love it here. It-s a good bunch of boys and a really solid team and I-d like to be a part of it.
“You never really know what happens in football so you-ll just have to wait and see.”
Jets fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets early to secure the best seats for Saturday-s blockbuster clash.
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
Saturday, February 2
Hunter Stadium
Kick-off 5.30pm
Tickets from PROticket
WILL YOU BE AT HUNTER STADIUM THIS SATURDAY?
