Northern, Jets finally join forces
BY JOSH LEESON
28 Jul, 2010 04:00 AM

SOME might say it is long overdue, but the consensus was better late than never yesterday when Northern NSW Football and the Newcastle Jets announced a formal partnership.

Known as the "Northern Alliance" the two organisations plan to work together to promote football in the Hunter region.

In the six years since the Jets joined the A-League there has been minor co-operation with NNSWF, but the Northern Alliance will take it to another level.

"I've said to [Jets CEO] John [Tsatsimas], 'Look at Northern as your arm to the community, let's not double up, let's take advantage of what we're both doing', " NNSWF CEO David Eland said.

"We want kids right across Northern NSW to know that their pathway to the Socceroos is through the Jets."

Jobe Wheelhouse, Ben Kennedy, Taylor Regan and Ben Kantarovski are the only home-grown juniors in the Jets 22-man first grade squad.

Tsatsimas said he hoped by working more closely with NNSWF the number of Novocastrians playing with the Jets would rise in the future.

"Our target is to promote as many players as possible," Tsatsimas said.

"We are a Newcastle team and a team that represents the people of Newcastle and we want to do that at the elite level."

As part of the Northern Alliance the Jets have given more than 70 local clubs family season memberships to raffle off.

So far it has raised about $175,000 for local clubs.

There will also be greater participation from Jets players in junior NNSWF programs such as school five-a-side gala days.

More local players will have opportunities to trial for the Jets youth side, and parents will receive a discount on Jets family season membership if they have a child under 12 registered with a local club.

Well done Jets.

Jesic to take the free kicks? thats two now?

Yea Song was a bit weird. He scored two great free kicks against Australia and then he came here and wasn't hitting them very well until the end of last season, he forced a couple of great saves from the keepers. And I was standing behind the goals in Jesic's first free kick and I didn't even notice the deflection. I don't think it changed the direction of the ball very much.

Nikolai ends long wait for Jets goal
BY JAMES GARDINER
29 Jul, 2010 12:00 AM
DEFENDER Nikolai Topor-Stanley broke his goal-scoring duck as the Newcastle Jets finalised their A-League preparations with an emphatic 4-0 win over Rockdale City at a rain-soaked Sutherland Park last night.
The match, played on a synthetic pitch in constant rain, against the NSW Premier League outfit was the Jets' fifth of the pre-season and followed wins over Melbourne Heart (2-1), Northern NSW (3-1) and Sydney United (2-1) and a 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar in Port Macquarie on Sunday.

Topor-Stanley is yet to score in 79 A-League appearances for Sydney, Perth and Newcastle and until last night had not hit the target in a competitive match for the Jets.

He was one of three first-half goalscorers alongside Ali Abbas and Sean Rooney.

Comeback kid Marko Jesic completed the rout with a goal from a free kick.

The Jets open their A-League account against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium in eight days and came through last night injury free.

Kiwi international Jeremy Brockie (calf) and Adam D'Apuzzo (back) sat out the trial but should be right for the trip to South Australia.

Midfielder Ben Kantarovski returns from Vietnam, where he starred for the Young Socceroos, on Sunday, leaving yet-to-arrive Chinese striker Zhang Shuo as the only player unavailable for round one.

Wet weather forced the cancellation of an intra-club trial last week, and hit-outs against Central Coast Mariners and Marconi were also canned.

FWIW I was at the side level with the 18 yard line at that end, was a notable deflection because it slowed down a lot, goalkeeper badly wrongfooted. Sounds like his stike tonight was waymore impressive.

Rooney looked very poor when he came back from injury. But before his injury was always dangerous but his finishing was poor. He'd be better off the bench as his speed could make an impact late in the game. I'd bring him on for Haliti in about the 60th minute.

Edited by Jets_Fan: 29/7/2010 11:12:01 AM

First off, thanks Marconi for starting another one.

Anyway, I've seen this new chant against the heart floating around. I think it's alright but anyway what do you guys think. It helps if your familiar with You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi cos its based off the intro I'm pretty sure. Alright so here it is.

We hate the heart,
Their name's so lame,
They give the league a bad name,

And then you chant the guitar solo and then it goes back to the same thing but different words.

We hate the heart,
And their to blame,
They stole Matt Thompson,

Then the guitar solo chant.

We love the heart,
And their to thank,
Cos they stole Hoffman,

Anyway I think it's alright I thought the Hoffman part at the end was pretty funny. I dunno who wrote it I've seen it in various places.

Need an extra syllable on the last line of the second two verses or it will just sound wrong.

Culina happy with healthy competition

BY ROBERT DILLON
30 Jul, 2010 04:00 AM

JETS coach Branko Culina says Ben Kennedy deserves to start the A-League season as Newcastle's No.1 goalkeeper but can expect fierce competition from new signing Paul Henderson.
Henderson, 34, who spent five years playing in England with Leicester and Bradford before a 14-game stint with North Queensland Fury last season, has joined Newcastle on an injury waiver while Neil Young recovers from recent bowel surgery.

It is expected that Young will need several months before he is strong and fit enough to be considered for selection, which will give Henderson ample time to stake a claim.

Despite Kennedy's heroics in last year's play-off win against Gold Coast, Culina said the 22-year-old could not afford to put a foot wrong with Henderson waiting for an opportunity.

"He [Henderson] has put up a big challenge to Ben Kennedy, which is terrific to see," Culina said yesterday.

"I think we've got two quality goalkeepers, which is what we need, because at one stage last season when Neil Young got injured we were really relying on Ben to go all the way on his own . . .

"Ben has got the front position. There is no doubt about that.

"He's earned it. But I tell you what, Paul Henderson is not far behind at all."

Much maligned by Jets fans in the early stages of last season, Kennedy came of age in the final series, in particular in the penalty shoot-out against Gold Coast in Newcastle's opening play-off match.

Culina said the home-grown gloveman "held himself very well" in the big end-of-season games and would be a better player for the experience.

"If anything, he grew and matured enormously," he said.

Kennedy started Wednesday night's final pre-season trial against Rockdale City but was replaced after 51 minutes by Henderson.

The pair kept a clean sheet in Newcastle's 4-0 victory, which Culina said was satisfying considering the state of the pitch after torrential rain.

The coach said the Jets were as well prepared as they possibly could be for the season-opener against Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium next Friday night.

"Ideally, we would have liked a couple more games under our belt," Culina said.

"Those three games that were cancelled on us - against Blacktown, Marconi and Central Coast - spoiled our plans somewhat but there's not much we can do about it.

"That has restricted our preparations but there is a lot of positive vibe in the camp and we're looking forward to Adelaide."

Culina was hopeful New Zealand World Cup star Jeremy Brockie, who has been nursing a knee injury for two weeks, would be available for the Adelaide game.

Newcastle's only injury concern from Wednesday night's trial was Iraqi winger Ali Abbas, who had an ankle problem.

So how many people are making the trip down to Adelaide for the game??

Trying to decide whether to buy in away supporters bay or just go in general admission with better seats

Culina says no rush for Zhang
BY JAMES GARDINER
31 Jul, 2010 04:00 AM
NEWCASTLE Jets coach Branko Culina has no plans to rush Chinese striker Zhang Shuo into the squad for the A-League season opener against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.

Zhang has completed his commitments with Indonesian club Persik Kediri and is considered a strong chance of arriving in Newcastle in time for the trip to South Australia.

‘‘I spoke to his management as recently as this afternoon and the reports were positive,’’ Jets chief executive John Tsatsimas said yesterday.

‘‘He is back in China, where he is awaiting a medical with the Australian doctors.

‘‘Once that is complete I would anticipate his visa will be rubber-stamped.’’

Zhang, a Chinese international, is considered the final piece in the Jets puzzle but Culina said the 26-year-old front man would have to wait his turn.

‘‘He won’t be considered,’’ Culina said.

‘‘We don’t know where he is with his fitness, he doesn’t understand our game plan and I have to be fair to the guys that are here.

‘‘We are not talking about Lionel Messi or Ronaldo.

‘‘Even if we were, people have to understand and our own players have to understand, if you miss a large chunk of training, you can’t expect to walk in. This is the Newcastle Jets 2010-11 not Newcastle Jets from God knows when.

‘‘We have worked very hard to create good spirit, good atmosphere and depth in the squad.

‘‘The players who have been here the past 10 or 11 weeks deserve the opportunity.

‘‘If they don’t take the opportunity, it is another matter.

‘‘We may have to draft Zhang or other players into the team a bit earlier.’’

Sean Rooney, Labinot Haliti and Sasho Petrovski have been in a three-way battle to spearhead the attack.

‘‘It is fair to say it is not a closed case,’’ Culina said

‘‘In the five games we have played thus far, Sean has played 195 minutes, Labi has played 195 as well and Sash is a little less with 190 minutes.

‘‘We are looking for a person who is going to be commanding enough to say, ‘Hold on you can’t ignore me, because I have done enough.’

‘‘Sash, Sean and Labi have all done that at some stage.

‘‘If you look at their strengths and what they bring they are all different.

‘‘It will depend on how we want to play.’’

Rooney scored with a deft chip in the 4-0 win over Sydney NSW Premier League side Rockdale City in the final pre-season hit-out on Wednesday night but his fitness remains a problem for Culina.

‘‘The concern we have for Sean is how much time he spends on the park,’’ Culina said yesterday.

‘‘Even today he had a bit of soreness in his groins.

‘‘At the moment, his body is not coping well enough with the demands of professional football.

‘‘It is a pity, because we think he has the potential to be an exceptional player.’’

Kanta's top goal to start first-up
BY JAMES GARDINER
02 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
FRESH from leading the Young Socceroos to victory at the ASEAN Championships, Ben Kantarovski has set his sights on the next assignment - winning a place in the Newcastle Jets midfield for the A-League opener against Adelaide United.

Kantarovski returned from Vietnam yesterday after playing every minute in the Young Socceroos four games, the last of which was a rugged 1-0 win over Thailand in Saturday's final.

"It is always good to win a tournament, and the fact that we didn't lose a game added to the satisfaction," Kantarovski told The Newcastle Herald after arriving back in the city yesterday.

"The conditions were pretty tough. It was hot and humid and not ideal for playing quality football.

"But we worked very hard and managed to come away with the right results."

Jets coach Branko Culina was critical of the timing of the tournament, given that the A-League starts this week, but Kantarovski said it helped "top up my match fitness".

"I feel at my peak," the 18-year-old said.

"The treatment we received between games over there was tremendous.

"They really looked after us.

"Hydration was a big part of it and we had massages, ice baths, pool sessions . . . everything possible to help our recovery."

The Jets have today off training, which gives Kantarovski just three session to press his claims for a start at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.

Former Socceroo Kasey Wehrman has a mortgage on one of the screening midfield positions in Culina's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Kantarovski starred alongside Wehrman in the opening three trial wins against Melbourne Heart, Northern NSW and Sydney United, but his commitments with the Young Socceroos have opened the door for Jobe Wheelhouse and Ruben Zadkovich, both of whom are coming off injuries.

Wheelhouse had double groin surgery and new signing Zadkovich had his start delayed by a fractured wrist and ankle problem.

"There are only two positions and about five or six of us fighting for it," Kantarovski said.

"It's good for the team and good for us. It will push everyone along and make us better players in the end.

"I'm not really thinking too much about it at this stage. I just want to get back to training and have some fun."

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Kanta has showed maturity beyond his years. Captain of the tournament-winning young socceroos and great performance in the pre-season games should have earnt him a place alongside Wherman. Imo he is a better player than Wheelhouse and the middle will have a good balance with the experience that Wherman has and the youth that Kanta has. He has been with the club for years and won player of the year in 07/08 he deserves to be a regular in the starting 11.

While I agree with you on most points, Kanta has one failing and that it his temper. Many times last season he blew his stake after getting mugged for the ball. Once he loses sight of the game he is lost and constantly finding himself out of position and having to chase his man.
Weherman will be a great teacher but I think for the first half of the season we'll see him coming off of the bench.
Hopefully in the second half he'll be playing in the Bundesliga.

Nice thread Marconi. :p

While I agree with you on most points, Kanta has one failing and that it his temper. Many times last season he blew his stake after getting mugged for the ball. Once he loses sight of the game he is lost and constantly finding himself out of position and having to chase his man.
Weherman will be a great teacher but I think for the first half of the season we'll see him coming off of the bench.
Hopefully in the second half he'll be playing in the Bundesliga.

Elrick and Zadko have played in the last 2 games but i think brockie has a slight niggle at the moment.

Dapuzzo and Abbas are also nursing niggles apparently.

would take Kanta's spot? Wheelhouse? Wheelhouse is the king of fouling.

Culina's scoop on Reds' new coach
BY JAMES GARDINER
05 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM


NEWCASTLE Jets coach Branko Culina was one of the few people in Australian soccer who did not need to consult Google when Rini Coolen was announced as the new boss at Adelaide United.

Coolen replaced Aurelio Vidmar last month, and although he worked as a professional coach in Holland for 12 years the Dutchman's appointment raised eyebrows.

But not with Culina, who will go head-to-head with the latest Dutch invader in the A-League opener at Hindmarsh Stadium tomorrow.

Culina's son and Socceroos midfielder Jason played under Coolen when he was coach at FC Twente.

The Dutchman also approached Culina when he was at the helm of Sydney FC in 2007.

"He was Jason's coach and actually applied for a job when I was at Sydney," Culina said.

"He contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in bringing him in as my assistant.

"He is a typical Dutch coach. Their philosophy doesn't change. That is the Dutch school.

"What you hear Melbourne Heart coach [John van't Schip] say, you will probably hear him say. It's just that the other has been here longer.

"Their philosophy is the same, it is about keeping possession, using wingers and so forth."

Coolen arrived in Adelaide three weeks ago and Culina does not expect he will have had enough time to make dramatic changes to their counter-attacking style.

"We know how Adelaide like to play," he said.

"The only uncertainty is what the new coach will do - whether he will want to change things or let it go for a little while before he puts his own stamp on it.

"It's hard to get people to change their habits. It takes time. If the team is used to playing defensively, they won't become an offensive team overnight.

"But what Adelaide have done better than last year is recruited some good players, namely Sergio van Dijk up front and midfielder Marcos Flores.

"They have added a lot of punch to their team, therefore they don't necessarily have to play on the counter-attack like they did last year. They will be far more formidable."

Though wary of the Reds, Culina has kept the focus on his own side.

"We will touch on Adelaide tomorrow a little bit," he said.

"It was important, with the lost time due to wet weather, that we focus on what we have to do first."

The Jets returned to the training pitch yesterday, but Culina has delayed naming a squad until this morning.

"We hadn't kicked a ball since Sunday and you could see we were a little bit rusty," he said.

"I was hoping to try a few things today, but with the heavy ground I was concerned they might get injured and it would take too much out of them."

Tarek Elrich, Jeremy Brockie and Sean Rooney, who are coming back from pre-season injuries, trained strongly but Culina remained noncommittal on their involvement.

"It is a matter of getting the right balance in the travelling party," he said.

The "If we jump, Hutcho dies ole ole" is my personal favourite

I've actually never heard that one :oops:

Did we sing it last year? I really dont remember.

Jets set off, eyes on prize
BY ROBERT DILLON
06 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
IT was a case of boots and all for the Newcastle Jets players yesterday in their final training session before tonight's A-League season opener against Adelaide, as a bloodied Brodie Mooy can testify.

Mooy, the 20-year-old rookie who has played in three A-League games, copped an accidental boot in the forehead and later required 18 stitches.

"The ball was just there to be won," Mooy said yesterday.

"I went in for a slide tackle and just copped an accidental stud in the head, and the blood just started coming".

Mooy said he felt "fine" after he was patched up and hoped to be back in training next week.

It was an untimely setback after Jets coach Branko Culina said Mooy was "definitely in contention" to be part of Newcastle's squad tonight.Formerly used as a striker or winger, Mooy is being groomed as a right-back by Culina and was in line to deputise for Tarek Elrich, who had limited game time in the pre-season after groin surgery.

"It's just too risky," Culina said.

"He's needed stitches and, if you're a defender, you've got to be doing a lot of heading.
"So we've had to leave him out of the squad."

Newcastle flew out for Adelaide yesterday with a strong squad and full of confidence that they would open their campaign with a positive result.

First impressions count for Jets: Newcastle look to set standard
BY ROBERT DILLON
06 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
NEWCASTLE Jets coach Branko Culina and skipper Michael Bridges are confident they can make a positive first impression in tonight's A-League season-opener against Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium.

After an encouraging pre-season campaign, the Jets plan to put their best feet forward tonight and set a standard they can maintain for the next seven months.

"The first game is always important, because hopefully it sets you up for the rest of the year," Culina said yesterday.

"It's not the end of the world, but it certainly does make you feel a lot better winning or doing well in the first game."

Bridges said his teammates were "well and truly up for it" after finalising their preparations with a high-intensity training session yesterday that left youngster Brodie Mooy with 18 stitches in a head wound.

"You've got to get off to a good start," Bridges said.

"Obviously it's an away game first and we would have preferred a home tie . . . the boys know what we've got to do.

"It's not a matter of getting a win. It's a matter of getting a result.

"If we can come away with a point, or three points, we'd be delighted to start the season off on that note."

Having finished last season in sixth place, then winning their opening play-off, the Jets are aiming to make further progress this season and establish themselves as title contenders.

Adelaide, meanwhile, will be equally motivated to start strongly after a disappointing season that left them with the wooden spoon and cost coach Aurelio Vidmar his job.

"They finished last but they had a great run in the Asian Champions League and it picked them up," Bridges said.

"Obviously they got the wooden spoon, so they've got a point to prove.

"We're going there knowing we've got a job on our hands."

Culina did not expect many tactical changes from Adelaide under their new coach, Dutchman Rini Coolen.

"Even though they have a new coach, the team is the same," Culina said.

"Sergio van Dijk joined them in the Asian Champions League, but we know what to expect.

"They won't catch us by surprise."

Culina said he had not bothered to analyse Adelaide on video, "other than what we saw of them in the Asian Champions League".

Culina is expected to field a predictable line-up tonight featuring new signings Kasey Wehrman, Ruben Zadkovich and Jeremy Brockie.

Wehrman will handle the role of midfield anchorman, Zadkovich is filling in for Tarek Elrich at right back and Brockie is expected to be deployed as an impact player off the bench.

Culina said the recent wet weather had affected Newcastle's build-up, in particular forcing trial matches to be cancelled.

For that reason, players like Elrich were not considered because he has played only one match since off-season groin surgery.

"We've had three practice games washed out, so we probably haven't had as many games as we would have liked," Culina said.

"That hasn't helped the players coming back from injury. Tarek only had 90 minutes of match time in the pre-season, and we felt that was not sufficient.

"It hasn't helped Jobe [Wheelhouse] or Ruben [Zadkovich] as well.

"It's played a bit of havoc with us but you can't do much about that."

Italian import Marcello Fiorentini was not considered for the trip to Adelaide after being troubled by a back injury.

Misfiring Jets unlucky
Saturday, 7 August 2010
by Lee Gagliardi, Sportal

Branko Culina
Branko Culina

Newcastle boss Branko Culina believes his side created enough chances to come away from Hindmarsh Stadium with a victory on Friday night despite sharing the points in a goalless draw with Adelaide United.

Culina said his side had come to Adelaide expecting to claim maximum points but admitted a lack of match practice ultimately cost the Jets, as Newcastle lacked the final polish required to find the back of the net.

Captain Michael Bridges squandered two clear chances by firing straight into the arms of United keeper Eugene Galekovic while Sean Rooney and Ali Abass were also guilty of wasting golden opportunities.

"We've prepared ourselves this year to go into ever game knowing we can win, not just hoping and we were fairly confident we'll get the three points," Culina said.

"I thought we had some really good chances. Bridgey had a couple, Rooney had a couple. It's probably we haven't played enough games and we're a little bit rusty in that part of the field."

"If you look at the two teams we're the only team that created chances, they didn't create. They just crossed the ball in. We had enough chances but we were probably just on the night, not quite ready for it."

Culina dismissed claims his strikers were selfish and that wasted chances may have been converted into goals if players had decided to lay off rather than pull the trigger.

He also praised Bridges' new 'libero' role playing in behind the strikers and said he hoped the Jets will be more clinical in Round 2 when they take on the new kids on the block Melbourne Heart.

"Michael has a lot more to offer us in that particular role once we decided the system we wanted to play," he said.

"We're a very structured team in defence and in midfield. Up front we like to give them a license and the freedom to express themselves and we'll continue to do that."

"Tonight it didn't quite work as well as we would have liked but hopefully it will for future games. Hopefully the players will benefit from having a game under the belt and will be a bit sharper and more accurate in front of goal next week."

The former Sydney FC boss said once the Jets' full quota of stars take to the pitch a very different Newcastle outfit could be expected.

"We're still a couple of players short. Once that's in place I'm sure you'll find quite a different Newcastle than what you've seen in the past and maybe tonight we showed that," he said.

So with Rooney gone and Topor potentially gone and Zhang unavailable, formation against Heart?

------------Brockie------------
Abbas-------Bridges--------Jesic
-----Wehrman--------Zadko-------
Puzz----Ljubo-----Kanta----Takka
-------------Kennedy------------

Just don't think Regan is up for it from what I saw against NBN.

Edited by Jets_Fan: 10/8/2010 05:38:07 PM

surely the chest would be up front? playing the fast man the way rooney did?

I really dont know who the chest is but Brockie is fast just like Rooney...

We lacked strength and real physicality up front against Adelaide, unfortunately for The Chest he doesn't have the same presence as Brockie does IMO. Against Heart however it will come down to our wingers to create space because Brockie I don't think is mobile enough to outplay Colosimo or Beauchamp

Marrone played at fullback for them last time, but by no means is he one. He showed how inexperinced he is against CCM by gifting them that goal so if we pressure him with the right player we might have a chance on that wing. Also it seems that Skoko might not play, and most likely that Thommo will slot into centre midfield. If so we need someone like Bridges who can match him in terms of technique and ball control - ie. Bridges.

Very worried about the prospects of Kanta/Wheelhouse against Sibon. They just don't match him in the air, unlike Ljubes

Will we see the return of shoes off if you love the jets tomorrow night?

i'm abandoning the squadron for corperate seats tomorrow

just wanted to bragg

Edited by Gunners_Shot_Stopper: 12/8/2010 08:00:23 PM

We need you: Culina pleads for massive Jets turnout
BY JOSH LEESON
13 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM
JETS coach Branko Culina appealed last night for Newcastle football fans to turn out in droves tonight for the club’s opening home game of the season against A-League newcomers Melbourne Heart.
Last season the Jets had an average crowd of 6340 at EnergyAustralia Stadium – the lowest in their five-year history – despite playing some quality football and finishing two wins from the grand final.

One of the complaints from fans was the spate of Sunday afternoon games.

Jets management obliged by asking the Football Federation Australia for more night matches, and tonight the fans have the chance to respond with their feet.

‘‘The message I’d like to send is, ‘We need you, and we desperately want to be able to show you what we can do,’’’ Culina said.

‘‘At some stages last year it was a little disappointing, but having said that, those that do come have been terrific and let’s hope they not only continue to come in numbers but support us the way they have.’’

The Jets have enjoyed their most positive off-season in years.

The build-up has been devoid of scandal or major injury and some quality new additions in former Socceroo Kasey Wehrman, All White Jeremy Brockie and Olyroo Ruben Zadkovich have been made.

Last Friday the Jets made a pleasing start to the season in their goalless draw against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium, but Culina knows more is needed in front of the EAS faithful.

‘‘You want to win your first home game without any doubt,’’ he said.

‘‘You win home games you get bums on seats, you set yourself up because it’s almost a guarantee that if you win all your home games you make the semi-finals.’’

Last night the Jets trained for the first time this season on EAS.

The pitch attracted plenty of criticism from the club last season after marquee man Fabio Vignaroli snapped the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee on the loose surface playing against the Gold Coast in round 18.

The Newcastle Knights played Canterbury on the ground last Sunday and wet weather has plagued the city in recent weeks. Despite this, Culina was impressed with the EAS pitch.

‘‘I think management has done the best they could considering rugby is still played on it, so it’s not easy when you have two different codes on it,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s not as bad as it was at some stages last year, in fact, the groundsman has done a top job.’’

The pitch could be a deciding factor as both sides like to play attractive football.

Heart coach John John van’t Schip has expressed his desire to play possession-based football, while the Jets have always been known for their passing game.

‘‘We were the top away team last year in terms of possession. We were the only team to have 52 per cent of possession,’’ Culina said. ‘‘Even though they [Heart] lost they had more possession [against Central Coast last week], so obviously both teams enjoy being on the ball and we’ll try to make sure they don’t have an enjoyable time when they are on the ball.’’

The only team change from last Friday’s draw is Kiwi World Cup member Brockie, who is poised to make his starting debut for the Jets in place of the injured Sean Rooney.

While traditionally a wide midfielder, Culina experimented with Brockie at the point in their final training session last night.

‘‘He’s not necessarily a wide player, I think he can play centrally,’’ Culina said.

‘‘In fact, I think he could be a very good striker because he has a bit of strength and a bit of speed so it’s an option for us because Rooney is not available.’’

Culina said other options for the lone striker role in the 4-2-3-1 formation were Labinot Haliti and Marko Jesic.

Central defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley appeared to be over his quadriceps injury and trained at full capacity last night, while crowd favourite Tarek Elrich is expected to return to play his first match of the season from the bench.

AAP reports: Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton admits it is crucial that the fledgling A-League club achieve quick results and he hopes it is as soon as tonight’s clash with Newcastle.

The Heart drew a respectable 11,000 and attracted plenty of attention for their debut last week, a loss to Central Coast in Melbourne.

But they travel out of Melbourne’s sporting glare for their next two matches and need something out of the games against the Jets and Adelaide United to ensure the same level of support for their return home later this month.

‘‘We’re a new team,’’ Bolton said. ‘‘Results are important. It’s a long season but if you start poorly, it’s hard to get back.’’

? Valentine Phoenix downed Toronto 5-0 in a catch-up game on Wednesday night and last night Edgeworth defeated Broadmeadow Magic 2-0 at Jack McLaughlan Oval.

He's already signed

Hey Backmac, did you get any shots of the Squadron on Friday?

Test for Jets' new defence: Topor-Stanley to miss Glory clash
BY ROBERT DILLON
20 Aug, 2010 04:00 AM

NEWCASTLE'S defensive resolve faces an early-season test when Jets coach Branko Culina fields a new-look back four in tomorrow's third-round clash with Perth Glory.

Central defender Nikolai Topor-Stanley stayed in Newcastle when his teammates flew west yesterday after being ruled out with a hamstring problem.

Young Socceroos star Ben Kantarovski is expected to switch from midfield to the back to deputise for Topor-Stanley, though Taylor Regan, who is yet to make his A-League debut, is in Newcastle's 15-man touring party.

In addition, Culina appears set to reinstate Tarek Elrich at right back and relegate versatile Ruben Zadkovich to the bench.

Elrich was a mainstay in that role for almost four years but after off-season groin surgery his only contribution this season has been nine minutes as substitute in last week's 1-1 draw with Melbourne Heart.

Having conceded one goal in their first two games of the season - a self-inflicted effort from Kantarovski - Newcastle's defence has been receiving rave reviews.

Culina said the absence of former Socceroo Topor-Stanley would stretch the Jets' resources regardless of how well-drilled his troops were, against Perth, who lead the table and have scored five goals in two games.

"You can be as organised and disciplined as you like but when you lose a key player in a team and you don't have another one to replace him, there's always a little bit of concern," Culina said yesterday.

"That's the problem you are always going to face during the course of the year and that's why it's important to have some depth in your squad, albeit not of the same quality."

Culina said he had not settled on a line-up and would "sleep on it" before a light training run in Perth today.

But there were indications that Zadkovich would make way for Elrich, who has been waiting impatiently for the chance to regain his starting berth.

Hard-working Jobe Wheelhouse, who has been used twice on the bench, is expected to replace Kantarovski in midfield.

"It [Topor-Stanley's injury] does cause us to rethink about the way we want to play and the personnel . . . we'll make some changes," Culina said.

"Firstly because we're away from home and the Nikolai situation and also because of the type of game we want to play against Perth."

The coach said Regan, a home-grown 21-year-old, was a chance of receiving his first A-League game time.

"He's always been groomed to take over, if need be, and sometimes you throw them in at the deep end and see how they go," he said.

Topor-Stanley said an MRI scan on Wednesday did not show a tear in his hamstring but Newcastle's medical staff advised him to err on the side of caution.

"They keep reminding me of the risks," he said.

"Fabio Vignaroli had a similar thing last year and he kept pushing it and tore it even worse and it took him 11 weeks to get back.

"That's not something that I want."