WITH seven goals in two games, Declan Smith and Lachie Strogusz are in goal-den form as Jets’ return to NPL action on Saturday at Redlands (5pm).
It was as much the manner as the tally of goals - Deccy hit a cracker at Rochedale among his four and Lachie an amazing chip from distance against Samford for the second of his three.
Both agreed on one of the key benefits of two warm-up games - confidence.
“It was good to get back into playing and the confidence is coming back,” said Deccy, “getting goals early on you don’t have that hanging over you going into the season.
"We worked a lot on finishing before and after the break. The hard work is paying off. We’re just playing the way Roycie wants us to play and the chances are coming.
"Playing up front I’ve got that expectation of scoring. I don’t mind the responsibility … someone’s got to take it!”
Lachie has not been a heavy goalscorer in his time with Moreton Bay United, but hopes his will be “the first of a few”.
“I think I’ve just been in the right position at the right time, in the last few games,” he said. “Shooting is a big thing to work on and the confidence is getting better.
“I’d like to get a decent handful of goals this year. Ten would be nice … might be shooting a bit high there, but it’s something to aim for."
Jets will face the youngest coach in NPL Queensland history tomorrow with 22-year-old Jordan Manning in the Redlands' dugout.
The Football Queensland website said “what he lacks in experience, the rookie Red Devils boss makes up for in education.
“Manning honed his craft under the likes of Karl Dodd and Graham Harvey at Western Pride before shifting his focus to sports science at Brisbane Roar, where he worked for the Academy in a high-performance role.”
He also has a number of new players with former Jet James Piercy and Kai Barnes signing from QPL Mitchelton; Matt Haspels, Salomon and Wilfred Phillip from fellow QPL side Western Pride and Lathan Dunn from NPL Magpies.