Central Coast defender Pedj Bojic will be out to continue his form resurgence when the Mariners tackle arch-rivals Newcastle in a crucial Hyundai A-League match at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night.
Central Coast defender Pedj Bojic will be out to continue his form resurgence when the Mariners tackle arch-rivals Newcastle in a crucial Hyundai A-League match at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday night.
During the competition’s early rounds, Bojic failed to replicate the form he showed during the club’s grand final charge last season and was under pressure to hold his place in the starting side as coach Graham Arnold looked for answers after only picking up one point from the first three rounds.
But, after plenty of hard work on the training paddock, Bojic is now approaching his best form and the Mariners are flying in second position after picking up 16 points from 18 during the past six matches.
His contribution in wins over Melbourne Heart and Adelaide has been excellent, especially in last week’s 4-0 rout against the Reds.
Bojic, who has three goal assists this campaign, is determined to continue his progress when the Jets come calling.
“I’ve been pretty happy the past few games,” said Bojic, who is off contract at the end of the season.
“Things have been going pretty good up and down the wing. My priority is defence but the structure we’ve got allows me to get forward which I enjoy.”
When Bojic is playing well on the right of the defence it gives the Mariners great balance with Josh Rose always a menace to opposition teams on the other side of the field.
Arnold has always liked his defenders to play a part in attack and that is exactly what is happening at the Mariners.
Central defender Patrick Zwaanswijk is the team’s leading goalscorer this season and always pushes forward when the Mariners have a set piece.
The Mariners are hopeful of a big home crowd for one of the most eagerly anticipated home matches of the season on Saturday night.
