Newcastle have vowed they won’t be “bullied” again by the Central Coast in the A-League grand final, with coach Gary van Egmond identifying Adam Griffiths as the man to inspire the Jets against an expected physical onslaught.
The Jets are determined there will be no repeat of mistakes made in the major semi-final second leg two weeks ago as they gave up a 2-0 first leg advantage when drubbed 3-0 by a hungry and combative Central Coast.
The Mariners were harder at the ball and overwhelmed a hesitant Jets outfit, who seemed to have one eye on the grand final and ended up with a bad case of stage-fright.
With the Mariners’ physicality their trademark, van Egmond says his team must win the battle in the middle of the park to stand any chance in Sunday’s decider at Sydney Football Stadium.
And central to his planning is the less heralded of the Griffiths twins, Adam, who set the standard in toughness as the Jets bounced back to overcome Queensland in yesterday’s prelimnary final.
“I thought we got bullied a little bit in the game at the Central Coast,” van Egmond said.
“But I thought we really did dominate in the middle of the park (against Queensland) and Adam Griffiths was testament to that, he was physical in there and ensured that we really bossed that midfield around.
“He was extremely inspirational…A few of their enforcers were trying to stamp their authority on the ground and he really stood up and ensured that we didn’t take a backward step.”
An athletic midfielder, Griffiths welcomed his take-charge, tackling role in front of a Jets’ back-four whose strength lies more in mobility than physical presence.
“It’s part of my game to make tackles and to sway the momentum of the game,” said Griffiths today.
“If I do that it allows players like Stuart Musialik, Joel (Griffiths) and Mark Bridge to get on the ball.”
Against Queensland, Griffiths found himself clashing with powerfully-built Roar defender Sasa Ogenovski, the pair clashing heads when contesting a corner during the first-half, drawing blood from the forehead of Ogenovski and again in the second half when Griffiths was sent sprawling after going in hard for a high-ball.
“I don’t like players trying to bully at my team-mates and I know he’s a big, good and solid defender but sometimes you have to show that you have a little bit about you and that you don’t step back against anyone,” said Griffiths.
“So I think that’s the way Newcastle people like their players to be and I’m just trying to be one of those type of players.”
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