Ruben Zadkovich says there is plenty of excitement within the Jets squad for Sunday’s season opener against Adelaide.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich says there is plenty of excitement within the Jets squad for Sunday-s season opener against Adelaide United at Hunter Stadium.
Zadkovich said the Jets squad are looking forward to putting on a show for the Club-s Members and supporters.
“I know that we-re ready, we-ve been working hard,” he said.
“We know they-re a good side so it-s going to be a real tough game, but hopefully we can entertain the fans and get the result.
“I don-t think there-s nerves, it-s more excitement. I still get those butterflies, but it-s not like and anxious or nervous wait, it-s more like an excited wait before the game.
“I think it-s the same for most boys, they-re more pumped than they are nervous.”
Zadkovich is confident that the benefits of the Jets- toil and hard work during pre-season will be on display against the Reds.
“My body feels really good personally and I think a lot of the boys are the same,” he said.
“We-ve worked really hard, but it-s been pretty measured and controlled. It-s going to put us in good stead when we get to the dying minutes of each game.”
In contrast, there has been talk that Adelaide will be heavily fatigued as a result of their long return journey from Uzbekistan after their midweek Asian Champions League game against Bunyodkor.
However, Zadkovich said the equation wouldn-t be that simple come match day.
“It depends how you look at it,” he said.
“They-ve been playing competitive games, so that-s probably a little bit of an advantage for them.
“We know they-re a good side and we know it-s going to be a good game, so we-re pretty pumped.
“They-ve got a few good players across the field and they-re a pretty solid side. They-ve been getting some good results so we-re going to have to be at our best to beat them.”
One could be forgiven for thinking there is more than one Ruben Zadkovich at Hunter Stadium on Sunday, with supporter group “Zad-s Lads” set to don bald caps in honour of the former Derby County player.
Zadkovich said he was looking forward to having the backing of the group.
“They-re a good bunch of guys,” he said.
“They were supporting a good friend in Topor-Stanley when he was here and now they-ve chose to support me, so I-ll have to do my best for them for sure.”
Match details:
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Hunter Stadium
Sunday, October 7
Kick-off at 3pm
Tickets available through PROticket
Following the conclusion of Sunday’s match, children will be allowed onto the Hunter Stadium playing field for a kick around.
