Confidence and consistency are growing in the Jets' camp ahead of tonight’s big local derby with NPL leaders Peninsula Power at Wolter Park, kick-off 7.30pm.
Jets are on a six-match unbeaten run (four wins, two draws), buoyed by last weekend’s victory and clean sheet at Magpies Crusaders.
We are one of four sides separated by just two points, between third and sixth on the ladder and now have a run of seven home games in the last 10 fixtures of the regular season.
Above are Brisbane Roar and then Power who had a perfect 14 wins from 14 games before last week’s 1-0 defeat by Olympic.
“It was really good to get a clean sheet after so long, not just the defence, for the whole team,” said defender Rhys Gwynn-Jones, back after 10 months out through injury.
“We have been pushing for it every week and we thought we were very close against Redlands a couple of weeks ago. It really boosts everyone’s morale.
“This year I really think we are playing better and with more consistency. Last year it seemed to be more in patches.
“But we’re not getting too far ahead, just going game by game. No matter who it is we’re just going there, putting up a fight and trying to get the win.”
Power have a perfect record against Jets in the NPL since 2019, but the last two games have been very close – 4-3 and 3-2 wins.
“The boys are really putting in the work at training and hopefully we can come away with the win this time,” said Rhys, now in his fifth season with Jets.
“There will be a big crowd (at Wolter Park tonight). Lots of the club’s juniors are coming down and I think we can do it.”
Rhys has returned to a stronger squad after shoulder and knee surgery forced him out just after the return from lockdown mid-last year.
“It is good to be back and getting towards full fitness,” said the 22-year-old, “being back in the first team and getting minutes under the belt is great.
“New players have really boosted the whole team. Ryo (Ono) is amazing, he's one of the best in the league, technically - and Sammy Knight and Chrissie Maher are so experienced.”
Jets Under 18s and Under 23s play Peninsula Power at Wolter Park tomorrow, kicking off at 1.30pm and 3.45pm respectively.