Well... I think even the most die hard Jets fan, myself included, can now admit that the title defence is over. Whilst it is still mathematically possible to make the four it is now very unlikely. I'll start with some analysis of the game yesterday but I'll also attempt to some up in a few words where it went wrong in general.
So what happened yesterday. First 60 minutes i thought the boys did very well. They showed good movement through the mid field, good one touch football at times, reasonably solid defence (except from set pieces) and a good work rate across the park. I was also impressed to see an almost total lack of stupid, mariner like, route one football. Jesic continued to shine like the future he will be, although i think Naidovski (spelling?) was a bit out of his depth and needs to be filtered back in with sub appearances now that JGrift will be back. He seems a bit behind the ball mixing it up with the big boys. James Holland played the best game since his return from extended national team commitments, maybe he has finally shaken the fatigue of his hectic schedule.
Jobe's goal was well deserved, i think he looked sharper playing in front of the back four rather than as a part of it. He does cop a lot of flak from the Newcastle faithful but he is a stayer it would seem and his performances the last month have been a breath of fresh air in a team where sometimes it seems that other players minds are elsewhere. Ditto for the ever present Matt Thompson, a better and more complete utility player i can't think of across the league. He doesn't know week to week whether he'll be part of a back four, part of a back 3, or part of an attacking 3 behind a lone striker. He handles this with an astute work ethic, unwavering commitment to the cause and he looks heaps like a friend of mines boyfriend (don't think you'll ever read this Troy but if you do, good on your look alike). I kind of got side tracked there didn't I.
Sydney's first goal was a bit lucky on their part, but if you watch the replay, Jade North lets Ian Fyfe sneak in over his shoulder at a time when he seems to be ball watching rather than marking up. Second goal full credit to young Gan, (shame on you the world game for a piss poor pun, 'Sydney's Gan derails Jets', you know like the Ghan, come on enough of the Dad jokes). However when a defensive midfielder (AGrift) pushes up (like he should) on the player with the ball (Old man Corica, speaking of dad jokes), the defence should slide to fill the gap. They didn't, Gan finished well, end of story.
Apart from that we were wasteful in front of goal, look at the shots status if you don't believe me, i don't have them handy but trust me (or check if you don't). This isn't Jesic or Naidovski's or Thompson's or any one's fault. The fact is they are either inexperienced or not recognised strikers. GVE/Con/Crook have been unable to find a replacement for Zura, have been unfortunate with injuries (Hoffman, although still has youth problem) and are paying for stupid suspensions (JGrift, Milligan I'm looking at you).
As an aside, the rubbish in the Herald today about the squadron's chants, pull your head in, support your team, don't jump off the band wagon just because the boys are struggling. It makes me so angry i can't comment further for now, go read it if your interested.
I promised an analysis of what went wrong, but I've waffled on enough for this installment. Good luck against QLD Jets, welcome back to Grift and Milligan, although I'm still unsure how long Milligan's stint will last this year, whether he gets installed as a replacement for Suspence(r) or what ever. I still love you, i hope to see some results late on the season, they need the momentum to carry into the ACL next year.
Yours in Football,
B
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