Newcastle Jets’ Jason Hoffman says belief is strong while teammate Dimi Petratos says he’s enjoying playing the Ernie Merrick way.
A slick Newcastle blew away Western Sydney Wanderers with a brilliant and emphatic display after a 4-0 win on Friday night.
Hoffman was one of four different scorers on the night for the Jets, who are now clearly the biggest threat to ladder leaders Sydney FC.
“The intent of the team tonight was very positive, to go forward and everyone did their jobs defensively and it was an aggressive style of play, which hopefully pleases the people of Newcastle,” Hoffman told Fox Sports.
The Jets were outstanding throughout, playing with pace, enthusiasm and skill while converting their chances clinically.
Wanderers simply had no answer.
Even more impressive for the Jets is the fact there are so many top quality players still to come in or come back in.
Roy O’Donovan, Daniel Georgievski and Ronald Vargas could be fit by season’s end, while Riley McGree and new signing Patricio Rodriguez will be available to play in the new year.
“There’s strong belief in the group and a few key signings and it’s only going to strengthen the squad and competition for places is high,” said Hoffman.
Star striker Dimi Petratos added: “I’m enjoying it. We came out tonight and done a great effort. And we focussed on the combinations going forward this week and we created a lot.”
However, coach Ernie Merrick warned the Jets team needs to keep up the momentum before the new players arrive and are available for selection.
But he paid tribute to the team’s leaders, such as Glenn Moss, Ben Kantarovski and Nikolai Topor-Stanley.
“On field leaders down the spine of the team helps the team and that means we can bring in players either side of them,” he told Fox Sports.
