The NPL finals are in Jets’ sights again as they prepare to start their 2022 campaign at Gold Coast United on Sunday (6pm).
Jets’ finished seventh last season despite having more wins, more goals and more points than 2020 when they were fifth!
However, with “99 per cent” of last season’s squad returning and three key additions, coach Royce Brownlie s targeting the top four.
“I’ll put it out there … I think we are definitely capable of being a top four team this year,” he said.
“If everything goes well and clicks, if we can tighten up a little bit more defensively, we can push for a top two spot.
“For me it is about key moments.
“Last year we were so fluent in attack and so positive as a team, but not strong enough at times and we didn't defend as well as we should.
“I think we just need to be structurally a little tighter and aware of the situation and communicate that better through the lines.
“I think if we fix that this year, we are going to be one hell of a team.”
In the summer Royce has signed keeper Nathan Foster from Brisbane Roar and ex-Brisbane City striker Marquez Walters, who has returned from Victoria.
Experienced forward Jeremy Stewart has also joined from Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
After Sunday’s trip south, Jets have home games against Easts on March 27 at 5.15pm, Olympic on April 2 at 6.30pm and Brisbane City April 9 also 6.30pm.
“We've had some really good additions and boys like Joe Scott and Ryo Ono have come back just as fit, if not more so, than last year,” Royce said.
“I think it still going to be a very top (half) and bottom (half) league. I think it is going to be a battle, not a breakaway top four again.
“I want us to perform every game as if it is our last. I want to start the season as strong as we can and keep playing good football.
“I want teams to hate coming to Wolter Park, to make it a fortress and not lose at home.”