David Lowe: why new-look Newcastle Jets can be the A-League's surprise packet

That may be one of the few familiar feelings Jets fans have on their opening day, with 15 new faces in the squad, new retro strips, a new broadcast partner - with some reassuringly recognisable faces at the helm - and a new coach in Arthur Papas.

Fortunately for your columnist, Papas has been far easier to access in the local media outlets than the Paramount streaming services (they confused me at first mention of Smart TV) and this luddite will be calling the kids to bail me out prior to Sunday. Ah progress!

With that technological handicap, previous COVID-19 protocols and a multitude of new faces to evaluate in mind, I took the scenic trek to Maitland to watch training on Tuesday on a pristine surface at the Sportsground.

While wholeheartedly accepting that one look at an entire squad is not dissimilar to buying a race book upon entry to Flemington and declaring yourself a form expert, there were a number of encouraging signs.

Or as Denis Denuto of The Castle fame once noted, it's about the vibe.

READ MORE: James Gardiner's A-League club by club preview

Training was brisk, sharp and keenly contested as you would expect in the week before the season commences with selection on the line. The passing was quick, the pressure on the ball excellent and consistent throughout.

There was no working with a particular 11 on shape in this particular session, so no early scoops re line-ups, but the session hummed along largely without interruption in a very positive form.

There was an air of preparedness about the group, perhaps enhanced by Papas allowing his staff to run the components of the session, whilst he cast an eye across all aspects.

He had a few words with individuals in breaks and at the completion of training, but otherwise stayed on the periphery and exuded calm.

Whether that calm is warranted, we shall soon find out but as a player you'd rather that than have the gaffer antsy, trying to correct a hundred minor issues five days out from game one.

As a pundit, you would love to have a Sydney FC or Melbourne City come out directly after the Jets had finished and do exactly the same session to draw comparison, for they along with a new-look Melbourne Victory seem likely to be the benchmark again this season.

That, of course can't happen, but you have to believe what your eyes tell you and that is that the Jets have plenty to offer.

There is no doubt they will press high and be proactive. They will also need important contributions from their overseas recruits.

It's an area that has historically been a little hit and miss for most A-League clubs, but generally if three out of five imports succeed, you can be pretty pleased.

For the Jets, this is a must because, understandably given the almost complete roster overhaul, squad depth is perhaps not as deep as it is in the "bigger" teams.

If depth is a concern, as it often has been in Newcastle's footballing history, the other enemy of a team playing with a relentless pressing style can be the difficulty in maintaining the intensity required during the heat of a severe Australian summer on very large stadium pitches.

No matter your level of organisation and fitness, the initial press will be avoided or beaten from time to time, and often the key to results in matches is decided by the reaction in those moments. Papas will be relying on his older heads to provide experience, balance and good decisions in those vital seconds.

The other important thing to consider is where are the approximately 50 goals needed to challenge for the title coming from?

Brazilian Daniel Penha has given us a glimpse of his rocket left foot with this stunning FFA Cup goal.

Beqa Mikeltadze looked very neat and tidy in the receiving and passing stakes at training and Olivier Boumal has a swagger and confidence that promise a lot.

Valentino Yuel will get into goal-scoring positions if he plays, composure is the missing ingredient he needs to work on.

And if solutions can be found deeper in midfield, then Angus Thurgate, who looks to be flying, can get eight to 10 goals from an advanced midfield role.

As noted before, the main players in the league look to be Sydney FC, Melbourne City and a revitalised Melbourne Victory.

They are the first three in betting to win the league and the Premiers Plate, but I will be surprised if the improving Adelaide United don't do well.

The arrival of former EPL star Daniel Sturridge adds a huge splash of interest in Perth and a host of ex-Jets at the Wanderers will also cause much discussion and dissection in these parts.

And as a new season gets underway, we would do well to remember that the visiting Central Coast Mariners were the most-improved team in the competition last season.

Like the Jets, the Herald has also gone for a change of tactics.

My weekly column will now be appearing on game day each week. It will be centred on crucial match-ups and where the game may be won and lost.

To all our newcomers, welcome to Newcastle. To Arthur Papas and the entire Jets organisation, Bon Chance - the city is with you.

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