The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
The A-League is ready to rumble, with just three weeks until the 2015-16 season kicks off.
While we fumble through the usual pre-season friendlies, signings, and fan rivalries, there is one team that now, more than ever are, are ready to prove that they can again reign as champions.
The Newcastle Jets, on the brink of disaster last year, with an owner who couldn’t care less, a coach who thought it was a good move to sack five of their senior players (presumably on instruction from said owner), and players who were at their wits end, are now ready to play football.
With a new boss in former Fulham assistant coach Scott Miller, and a throwback to their traditional gold kits, the Jets are ready to ignite their passion for the game and their community – something all Novocastrians are excited about.
Former Socceroo David Carney is back in the mix, and is proving to be a handful for most defenders, while goalkeeper Mark Birighitti has declared that he is enjoying his football more than ever, after returning from loan club A.S. Varese in Italy’s Serie B.
The refreshed Jets continued to push through their pre-season with a nil-all draw against A-League heavyweights the Brisbane Roar, with Miller saying he was “pleased with where things are at”.
With community engagement, team bonding and positive results on the field, it is easy to see the squad are in their happy place; heartening signs for a proud football community.
The Newcastle Jets this year are hashtagging #TogetherWeCanSoar. The heights they reach will intrigue the entire football community.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
Phillip Cancar’s rather comical and momentarily delayed dive in the 36th minute of Newcastle Jets 3-1 win over Sydney FC on Sunday was a…