A-League: Hard work crucial as Jets strive for return to glory days

The Jets were this week put through a replay of the horror 4-1 surrender at home to Adelaide last round, dissecting a diabolical first half in which they gave up four goals, in readiness for a trip to Perth to take on a star-studded Glory on Saturday.

"This week at training we have gone through the things that need to be fixed," Deans said. "They are not huge issues. Discipline issues on the field in terms of doing your job the way you have been asked to do it.

"From the coaching staff's point of view, making sure we don't leave it to the players to be 100 per cent clear on what is expected of them. It is a collective thing."

The loss was the Jets' fourth straight and leaves them in danger of losing touch with the top six.

They were in a similarly bleak position after four defeats to open the campaign.

Hard work and desperation - at both ends of the pitch - was the answer to the slide then. A gritty 2-1 away win over Wellington was the catalyst for a five-game unbeaten run.

"We were in the same position nine weeks ago," Deans said. "We turned it around through believing in what we were doing and sticking to the processes.

"The best teams in the world defend their goal like their life depends on it. Same at the other end. It's hard work. Every sports person in the world talks about the hard work involved. The challenge is mentally how quickly you can get yourself back into a good head space - back yourself and believe in yourself."

Lachy Jackson replaces suspended captain Nigel Boogaard in the heart of defence and Deans confirmed that Ramy Najjarine would also start.

READ MORE: JACKSON READY TO STEP UP

READ MORE: NAJJARINE HAPPY TO CARRY TARGET ON HIS BACK

READ MORE: JETS' HEAVY LOSS CAUSE FOR CONCERN

With Johnny Koutroumbis (knee) sidelined, teenage centreback Jordan Lennon has been plucked from the youth team to sit on the bench as defensive cover.

"Lachy Jackson has been waiting two months for a chance," Deans said. "This is his opportunity.

"Ramy has trained for two weeks now and had a solid 45 minutes last weekend. He made a big difference in the game and showed some creativity that we have probably been lacking for the past four weeks."

Perth haven't won in five games and are coming off a 1-all draw with Sydney FC at home on Wednesday night.

Bruno Fornaroli scored the equaliser against the Sky Blues and Deans has challenged the Jets defence to stop the Uruguayan and fellow danger men Diego Castro, Andy Keogh and Nic D'Agostino.

"They have four people very capable of scoring goals," Deans said. "We have to enjoy that challenge as a group. As a defender and a defensive group you have to go over there and take on the challenge of keeping those four quiet. That's your job. If you don't enjoy that aspect of the job and the pressure that comes with it, you are not going to make it in football.

"Then, it is up to the quality we have in the front third to go win us the game."

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: