ERNIE Merrick flagged after the 4-1 loss to Sydney that the Jets needed to toughen up and learn how to perform "under mental stress and physical fatigue".
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So rather than use this weekend's bye to freshen up the squad, Merrick programmed one of the heaviest training weeks since the group assembled for the preseason in July.
And in-form stopper Lachy Jackson believes the extra workload will have the desired result.
"The intensity and volume has been lifted a notch," Jackson said. "We have played a lot of small-sided games and pushed hard. Towards the later parts of games, that is when the fatigue sets in and that is when we need to be clinical with our decisions. It has been a big part of this week - getting us under fatigue and being clinical. Especially in this weather, it takes a toll. It has been a very tough week. I'm sure after [an intraclub game] tomorrow we will be looking forward to a day off on Sunday."
Since the big defeat to Sydney after which Merrick said that "performing under mental stress and physical fatigue" was crucial to success, the Jets have drawn with Perth 1-all at home and beaten Western United 1-0 in Geelong.
Against Western United, it took a resolute defensive effort in the second half to keep the high-flying new boys at bay.
"The harder the games get, that is when we really need to bond together and work as a unit out there," said Jackson, who has been close to man of the match in the past two games deputising for injured captain Nigel Boogaard.
"There were a lot of times when we were under the pump and the boys dug deep. Whether it is last-ditch tackles, Mossy making great saves, whatever ... sometimes that is what it takes to win a game. It is a great platform to build from."
Next for the Jets are Western Sydney Wanderers at home next Saturday.
Boogaard (groin) trained with the rehabilitation group on Friday and remains in doubt.
"Nige is our captain and one of the big leaders of the club," Jackson said. "They are big shoes to fill whenever you slot in there. I try and be the best I can be on the field and give Ernie the biggest [selection] headache I can. That is what I have to do each week. Every week I feel like I am learning more."
This round will be the Jets' second bye in the opening seven rounds. Some clubs are yet to have their first.
"Everyone gets the byes, we just got them early," Jackson said. "I'm sure in the later part of the year, when we get on a bit of a run, it will come in handy playing each week."
The week off also gives Matthew Ridenton, Abdiel Arroyo and Matthew Ridenton time to reacclimatise and freshen up after completing international duties in Europe.
Arroyo (Panama) and Ridenton (New Zealand) were back at training Friday. Bobby Burns (Northern Ireland under-21s) returns Saturday.
In a further boost, Kaine Sheppard has resumed running and is ahead of schedule after having surgery in October to reattach a ligament in his big toe.
