![WORK IN PROGRESS: Jets gloveman jack Duncan and goalkeeping coach Chris Bowling at Newcastle training. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers WORK IN PROGRESS: Jets gloveman jack Duncan and goalkeeping coach Chris Bowling at Newcastle training. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/AVQVfAtGgzehhK8J9F6uCU/704db08e-55e4-42f1-86ad-68c7de96431e.jpg/r134_778_5107_3648_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
THE Newcastle Jets' F3 Derby against the Central Coast Mariners has become even more important.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Jets were to play Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday, but that clash has been postponed due to a worsening COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria.
A new date for the match is yet to be determined.
As a result, the Jets' next encounter is against the finals-bound Mariners at Central Coast Stadium on Tuesday night.
And they need a positive result more than ever.
Melbourne Victory thumped Western United 6-1 behind closed doors at AAMI Park on Friday night to move to 18 points - four clear of the Jets in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
The Jets have played two games fewer than Victory, who meet City next Sunday (June 6) in their final match.
After the Mariners, Newcastle meet play-off contenders Perth at home on June 5 before a likely date with City early the following week. City, as premiers, have the first week of the finals off.
There has been speculation that the Jets versus City game may not go ahead.
Jets keeper Jack Duncan was firmly against that scenario - and that was before Victory's win.
"For the integrity of the competition, we want to play," Duncan said on Friday. "That was the draw, we should be playing them."
The postponement of the City game has given the Jets extra time to prepare for the battle against their arch rivals.
"In terms of prep, we were preparing to play City and we have certain tactics for them," Duncan said. "We will have to adjust little things for the Mariners. It gives us an extra training session or two that we would not have had because of a short turnaround. The extra time is welcome. It is a big game for the club. Hopefully we get three points and can finish off the season strongly."
Duncan was reinstalled in goals in the 2-1 loss to Brisbane after being out for 10 games. A torn triceps opened the door for Lewis Italiano and then he was able to retain the No.1 spot.
"I tore it against Brisbane [on February 14] and managed to play on for a couple of weeks until I re-tore it," Duncan said. "Lewis, credit to him, did a really good job. That is what having a good squad is about."
Duncan used his time out of the starting side to address his game.
"I sat down with [goalkeeping coach] Chris Bowling and analysed different parts of my game," Duncan said. "I am always looking to improve regardless. When you are not playing you might get a little bit of extra time to work on those individual things. I'm feeling really good now."
"I'm not looking beyond the next three games. I am looking to finish the season strongly and do what I can to help the team get some points, get some wins and finish as high as we can."
IN THE NEWS:
- Jodi McKay resigns as NSW Labor leader
- The multi-million dollar home secured in four days
- Newcastle Junior Rugby League overturns suspension for Valentine Eleebana Under-10 and Under-11 teams
- Knights star Kalyn Ponga is in doubt for Origin I
- Newcastle, Cessnock mayors call for funding to relocate harness racing from Broadmeadow
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:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News