‘Groundhog Day’ for the Jets as bizarre trend leads to import dilemma

It’s ‘Groundhog Day’ for the Newcastle Jets with a bizarre trend emerging in their last 10 matches. What happens next?

Just six rounds of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season have been played, but Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Danielle Krzyzaniak has already been sent off twice for a pair of straight red cards.

The Canadian import collected her second red card of the season against Sydney FC on Saturday night, after rushing out of her box and clipping Princess Ibini as the Sydney forward looked to touch the ball past the Jets keeper and run into an open goal.

Krzyzaniak’s first send-off of the season was for a handball well outside her penalty area against Perth Glory in Round 2; three weeks later she could’ve been sent off for the same offence, but referee Beth Rattray elected to brandish a yellow instead of a red in Newcastle’s clash with Adelaide United.

“This is the third time Newcastle has had a goalkeeper sent off in the last 10 matches,” Ninja A-League commentator Teo Pellizzeri said on Dub Zone.

“One for Izzy Nino last year, two for Danielle Krzyzaniak this year – and just last week we were debating whether she should have been sent off for handling the ball outside the area against Adelaide.

“This is becoming Groundhog Day, we’re debating this every week.”

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Earlier this season, Krzyzaniak’s Round 2 red card saw her miss Round 3 and for the following week, she was only selected as a bench player as Robertson kept her place in the starting XI.

With Krzyzaniak set to serve another one-game ban, the Canadian is no guarantee to return as a starter following her latest indiscretion.

“It’s an interesting one,” Polias said. “I don’t want to throw heaps on a player but she’s an international import and you want players to come over and add to your team. It’s one of those ones where you’re thinking: ‘What’s next?”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Pellizzeri replied.

“Once is happenstance, twice is a coincidence. Do we need to wait for a third time before a decision gets made?

“Tiahna Robertson wasn’t amazing on the goal Newcastle conceded, she gave the ball away and got beaten by Indi Dos Santos.

“But when Danielle Krzyzaniak serves another suspension, can Ryan Campbell go back to his import goalkeeper and keep the trust of his players?”