Newcastle Jets: Veteran Jason Hoffman fuelled for change in demanding pre-season

The Jets have undergone enormous change since the 2-1 win over Melbourne City in the final round on June 10 - a win that ensured they avoided the wooden spoon.

Coach Craig Deans has moved into the front office, with Arthur Papas heading up a new-look coaching staff.

With a new boss, comes a change in approach.

From the get go, Papas made it clear that the Jets would be adopting an up-tempo, aggressive game that requites players to be extremely fit.

"There are a lot of new faces around the club but I think it was warranted and needed," Hoffman said. "We needed a breathe of fresh air and we have certainly got that.

"The intensity has been fantastic. Pre-season should always be hard but it has also been very enjoyable. You can see the energy around the playing group and the coaching staff.

"From day dot, the boss laid down his intent to be the hardest working team in the league. We notice that every day. From the moment you get here and turn off your car ignition, you know you are going full pelt.

"That is a mental challenge that you have to get your head around, not only here at the club but when you get home. You need to prepare for what you think is coming the next day.

"You get here and it is go, go, go from the moment you get on the park. The style of football he wants to implement and we need to adapt to, it requires us to be extremely fit. That means being ruthless and showing no mercy. That has been the contest message in the first week and a half.

"Hopefully we will see that translate into extremely positive performances in the next couple of months."

READ MORE: COACH DEMANDS BUY-IN AS JETS HOME IN ON IMPORTS

Among the list of departed players were senior men Nigel Boogaard, Nikolai Topor-Stanley and Roy O'Donovan. Between them they boast more than 800 A-League appearances.

"It is obviously a change and the boys who were here last year have to adjust to that," the 32-year-old 242-game veteran said. "In saying that, it is the way football is. You need to move on and go with the direction of the club.

"I am looking forward to being a senior player and what I can offer the club going forward. It is a good challenge. The young guys are certainly fit and enthusiastic. It keeps you on your toes.

"You need to keep pushing the envelope and pushing the young guys and hopefully pass on a bit of experience as well. "

Hoffman played right and left fullback, right wingback as well as various roles across the front-three last season.

His role this season hasn't been made clear at this stage.

"The first week and a half has been mainly about building that fitness base and the principles of play we want to have," he said.

"Everyone knows that I am a versatile player and hopefully that is a quality that the boss likes and the coaching staff see."

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