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It’s the same two sides that fought out the most contentious, fiery and talked about grand final in the A-League’s short history. But you wouldn’t know it, if you looked at the team lists.
About half the players involved in Newcastle Jets’ 1-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners only six months ago have either moved on, are injured, or are tied up with Australia’s Olympic campaign.
Despite the considerable change in personnel for both sides, Jets coach Gary van Egmond still expects plenty of feeling when the players take the field for tomorrow night’s A-League season opener at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
“They’re always heated exchanges, and bragging rights down the F3 are up for grabs, so they’ll be up for the game,” van Egmond said.
“I’ve been looking forward to it for a couple of months now and I’m sure the players have too.”
The Jets will be without new Danish import Jesper Hakansson, who has succumbed to a calf injury, while the Mariners are down to bare bones.
Key men Mile Jedinak, Nigel Boogaard, Andre Gumprecht and Greg Owens are all unavailable for Lawrie McKinna, but the Mariners coach remained optimistic, viewing it as a chance to blood some youth.
“One door closes for somebody and opens for somebody else,” McKinna said.
“Whatever side we put on the park, we’ll be confident we can go to Newcastle and get a result.”
Strangely, one player who shouldn’t be involved, will be.
Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic will take on the Jets, despite receiving a ban for striking a referee during the grand final loss, in a moment which blighted the game.
Football Federation Australian handed Vukovic a structured ban to allow him to compete in the Olympic Games, only for world governing body FIFA to overturn the decision to restrict the young talent from playing internationals.
It means Vukovic will be available for the first two weeks of the A-League season for the Mariners before a five-match ban kicks in.
“The Jets game means a lot to me, especially after the way last season finished,” Vukovic said.
“That was very disappointing – and definitely stupid – and I’d like to just erase all memory of that, really.”
The Jets may be the champions, but bookmakers rate them a $13 chance to retain the title, shorter than only wooden spooners Wellington ($15) and perennial strugglers Perth ($17).
John Kosmina’s all-star Sydney side have been installed as $3.40 favourites, followed by their opponents on Saturday night – traditional rivals Melbourne ($3.75).
Van Egmond wasn’t bothered by the outsider tag.
“We don’t mind what people outside want to rate us, or don’t rate us, or whatever the case may be,” he said.
“But we have an expectation within our group of what we need to achieve and with that comes pressure, and you have to deal with it.”
Newcastle’s Ecuadorian import Edmundo Zura is set to make his debut in the big game, and the home fans will be hopeful of seeing one of his crazy celebrations, where he pulls out a wrestling mask and does a jig after scoring a goal.
In other matches this weekend, dark horses Wellington host Queensland, while Adelaide United take on the Glory at Hindmarsh Stadium.
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