City Insider - City v Newcastle - Sunday 2 December

CITY INSIDER

ROUND 6

v NEWCASTLE JETS

SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER, 7.00PM

CITY INSIDER SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY v NEWCASTLE JETS

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE THERE’S NO SHYING AWAY FROM THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF LAST WEEKEND’S LOSS TO BRISBANE ROAR AT SUNCORP STADIUM.

We went up there as a team determined to record back-to-back wins, but unfortunately, we returned without the points.

After putting in the hard yards on the training track this week, we are ready to bounce back against the Newcastle Jets tonight. We are well aware that they are beginning to hit their straps, but together with our fans cheering loudly behind us, we know that we can get the result.

Despite returning home without the points last weekend, it was great to see youngster, Ramy Najjarine, make his senior debut in the Hyundai ALeague. Ramy is one of the most impressive young talents at the Club and there is no doubt that he will continue to flourish and show you – the City fans – just what he is capable of. With the likes of Riley McGree, Nathaniel Atkinson and Lachlan Wales already in our side, we’ve got some of the best young talent in Australia and they will keep getting better which is incredibly exciting.

Heading in to Round 6, we sit one point outside of the top-four and tonight’s game presents the perfect opportunity to close the gap against a fierce rival.

We are united together as a team and determined to work tirelessly to return to winning ways.

We have already beaten the Jets once this season in the FFA Cup in front of our home fans, and we will be looking to build on that tonight.

As a team, we thank you for coming out to support us tonight. I can’t tell you how important it is and what an impact it has to hear you all pushing us further to achieve more. We trust that you will be cheering your loudest and pushing us towards three vital points at home! C’mon City!

Scott Jamieson Melbourne City FC captain

GAME AHEAD OF THE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

OFFICIAL PARTNER

MELBOURNE CITY v NEWCASTLE JETS

CITY INSIDER SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

CITY LOOK FOR

LIFT-OFF AGAINST JETS MELBOURNE CITY FC RETURN TO AAMI PARK PREPARED TO RIGHT THE WRONG AND SECURE ALL THREE-POINTS WHEN THEY HOST NEWCASTLE JETS TONIGHT. Head Coach, Warren Joyce’s side were unable to record back-toback league wins when they travelled to Queensland last weekend, returning to Melbourne without the points following a brace from Socceroo hopeful, Adam Taggart.

Midfielder, Luke Brattan, slid straight back into the starting XI against the Roar, while youngster Ramy Najjarine made his Hyundai A-League debut as a second-half substitute. Despite falling behind in the 27th minute when Taggart latched on to a corner to head home, City worked tirelessly to find an equaliser and came closest when Lachie Wales found himself in on goal only to hit the post from a tight angle.

As City continued to push for an equaliser, Brisbane capitalised with Taggart securing his brace and the three points, with a clinical finish in the 66th minute.

City will be determined to return to winning ways against the Jets, but it won’t be easy with Ernie Merrick’s side coming off a deserved 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Spotless Stadium.

Jason Hoffman opened the scoring in the 25th minute after Nikolai Topor-Stanley laid the ball out to him, before attacker Ronny Vargas secured the points in stoppage time following a breakaway.

ONE TO WATCH

LAST A-LEAGUE RESULT

OPPOSITION FOCUS

DIMI PETRATOS The 26-year-old attacker possesses one of the most impressive highlight reels in the Hyundai A-League. Petratos’ strength over the ball combined with skill set, allows him to power through defenders before unleashing a deadly strike on goal. The attacker is not only a threat during open play, he will also stand over most set-pieces.

As a midfielder who is capable of scoring goals, Petratos’ ability to create chances for his teammates is often overlooked however, the Jets’ attacker has so far recorded two assists and created nine goal scoring chances for his teammates. As one of the Jets most dangerous attackers, there is no doubt that Head Coach Warren Joyce and his men will be looking to minimise his influence.

5

SHOTS ON TARGET

20

WESTERN SYDNEY

0

NEWCASTLE

2

A-League 2018/19 – Round 5 Friday 23 November, 2018 Spotless Stadium

LAST TIME WE MET

KEY STATS - NEWCASTLE JETS A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19 GOALS SCORED

After a slow start, the Jets are now undefeated in two matches following their 1-1 draw with Sydney FC in Round 3. The results leave them on five points for the season – two behind fifth-placed City – increasing the significance of tonight’s fixture.

The two teams have already met on one occasion this season, as City ran away with a 1-0 FFA Cup victory in the Round of 16 at AAMI Park, giving them inspiration to extend their winning run against Ernie Merrick’s team tonight under the lights of AAMI Park.

GOALS AGAINST

5

MELBOURNE CITY

1

NEWCASTLE

0

FFA Cup 2018 – Round of 16 Wednesday 29 August, 2018 AAMI Park

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MELBOURNE CITY v NEWCASTLE JETS

CITY INSIDER SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

W-LEAGUE LOOK TO SPARK THEIR SEASON

IN WHAT HAS BEEN AN ALMOST CARBON COPY OF THEIR 2017/18 RUN, MELBOURNE CITY’S W-LEAGUE SIDE WILL LOOK TO SPARK THEIR SEASON INTO ACTION WITH AN IMPORTANT STRING OF FIXTURES. The reigning Champions suffered their third loss of the season in Round 4, going down 5-2 to Perth Glory at nib Stadium last Sunday night.

A dominant opening 20-minute period for the hosts saw Matildas international, Sam Kerr, open the scoring on the 10-minute mark with a brilliant solo effort, before fellow forward Rachel Hill doubled the hosts lead 11-minutes later.

City looked determine to claw their way back in to the contest and in the 49th minute the breakthrough came.

Tameka Butt won a free-kick for the visitor’s, before Elise Kellond-Knight stepped up and produced a peach of a finish to make it 2-1 and open her goal scoring account for the Club. Three-minutes later City’s hard work was cruelly undone, as Kerr’s shot took a wicked deflection to restore the hosts advantage and take the wind out of City’s sails.

Alyssa Mautz made it 4-1 in the 65th minute before Kellond-Knight secured her brace from the penalty spot following a foul on American import, Jasmyne Spencer. In the fourth minute of stoppage time Mautz would again find the back of the net, securing her double and the threepoints for the Glory.

Despite suffering their third defeat of the season, City will be determined to climb back up the standings when they host Adelaide United at C.B. Smith Reserve on Saturday 1 December.

The Reds enter the match in third position, undefeated and coming off a 2-0 win over Canberra United. With wins over Brisbane Roar and Canberra, as well as a draw with Melbourne Victory, Adelaide will enter the clash full of confidence.

In Round 4, Adelaide United defeated Canberra 2-0 at Coopers Stadium, with a strike from Veronica Latsko and an own goal from Natasha Prior handing the hosts the three-points.

If the first four rounds are anything to go by, Adelaide United are a rejuvenated squad who have well and truly shrugged off the easy-beat tag that existed in past seasons.

With the Reds determined to remain in the top-four and City desperate to make up some much-needed ground, Saturday’s clash was an intriguing battle of two teams desperate for the three-points. Head to our website for the match result.

KEY STATS - MELBOURNE CITY W-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

4

GOALS SCORED

5

SHOTS ON TARGET

21

GOALS AGAINST

10

A4 POSTER 1/2

A4 POSTER 2/2

CITY INSIDER SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY v NEWCASTLE JETS

MAKING HIS OWN LUCK SINCE JOINING MELBOURNE CITY FC, 21-YEAR-OLD LACHLAN WALES HAS GRASPED THE OPPORTUNITY WITH BOTH HANDS, WORKING TIRELESSLY TO EARN HIMSELF A REGULAR SPOT IN WARREN JOYCE’S TEAM. Playing for fellow A-League side Central Coast Mariners last season, Wales faced City on two occasions. It’s there that he caught the gaffer’s eye, which lead him to joining City following the completion of the 2017/18 season.

Speaking on his move, Wales expressed his desire to join the Club in order to improve as an up-and-coming footballer.

“I obviously played a couple of games against Melbourne City and a couple of games for Central Coast towards the end of the last A-League season,” he said. “I had a bit of interest from the Club and I spoke to Warren on numerous occasions – with what he had to say about the Club and about developing young players, I was more than happy to join Melbourne City.”

“As an opponent, City were very impressive. They liked to move the ball fast and had a lot of dynamic players that I was eager to link-up with.

“I think the environment, the facilities and the players that this Club has makes this team exiting. It’s competitive to earn a spot each week and I look forward to the challenge week in week out.”

On the eve of the season, Wales highlighted his desire to work as hard as possible in order to earn his place in the squad.

“I’m just going to try and get as many games as I can, whether I’m on the bench or not in the squad, I’m just going to work as hard as I can to earn my place and if I get a chance I’m going to try as hard as I can to grab it,” he said.

“I think I’ll bring a lot of energy, I’m very positive on the ball, I like to run at my player and beat them one-on-one, as well as slip through the strikers for a couple of assists.”

Since then, the youngster has put in the hard yards as promised and earned a regular spot in Joyce’s preferred starting XI. He brings a great sense of enthusiasm to the squad, looking to use his leg speed and attack the opposition’s back four at every opportunity.

As a footballer he is flourishing on the field and growing in confidence with each performance. The attacker credits his positive start to his strong pre-season at the City Football Academy.

“It was easily the best pre-season I’ve ever had, I’ve learned a lot since I got here,” he explained.

“The gaffer has given me plenty of opportunities and I’m working as hard as I can on the tracking track and in the gym to keep my spot in the team each week. I’m really enjoying my time at Melbourne City and everyone is getting behind me and helping me to develop as a footballer.”

After a mixed start to the season, Wales says the squad is determined and united in working towards a successful campaign.

“What we’re trying to create with this group is that everyone is buying in, whoever’s job it is to come on or whoever’s job it is to start, we just want them to do their best for the team,” he explained.

“I’m stoked to be at Melbourne City and I’m willing to give it my best shot every time I go out there.”

KEY STATS - LACHLAN WALES A-LEAGUE SEASON 2018/19

MATCHES PLAYED

5

KEY PASSES

4

PASS ACCURACY

82%

ASSISTS

1

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2018/19

A-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 1 Melbourne Victory 1 Melbourne City 2

Round 2 CC Mariners 1 Melbourne City 1

Round 3 Melbourne City 0 Sydney FC 3

Round 4 Melbourne City 2 Wellington Phoenix 0

Round 5 Brisbane Roar 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 6 Sun 2 Dec, 7.00pm AAMI Park

Round 7 Sat 8 Dec, 10.00pm nib Stadium

Round 8 Sun 16 Dec, 7.00pm Coopers Stadium

Round 9 Sat 22 Dec, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 10 Tue 1 Jan, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 11 Sun 6 Jan, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 12 Fri 11 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 13 Wed 16 Jan, 7.50pm Central Coast Stad.

Round 14 Sat 19 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 15 Tue 22 Jan, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 16 Sat 26 Jan, 5.35pm Westpac Stadium

Round 17 Sun 3 Feb, 5.00pm Jubilee Oval

Round 18 Sat 9 Feb, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 19 Fri 15 Feb, 7.50pm McDonald Jones

Round 20 Sat 23 Feb, 7.50pm Marvel Stadium

Round 21 Sun 3 Mar, 5.00pm AAMI Park

Round 22 Sat 16 Mar, 7.50pm SCG

Round 23 Sat 30 Mar, 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

Round 24 Friday 5 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

Round 25 Sat 13 Apr, 5.35pm AAMI Park

Round 26 Sun 21 Apr, 5.00pm Westpac Stadium

Round 27 Fri 26 Apr, 7.50pm AAMI Park

All times are AEST. Fixtures subject to change.

CITY INSIDER SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

MELBOURNE CITY v NEWCASTLE JETS

Y-LEAGUE NOTCH FIRST POINTS MELBOURNE CITY FC’S Y-LEAGUE SIDE REGISTERED THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE 2018/19 CAMPAIGN WITH A COMPREHENSIVE 3-0 WIN OVER PERTH GLORY AT DORRIEN GARDENS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. After a Round 1 bye, Head Coach Joe Palatsides’ team travelled to Brisbane where they were defeated by the Roar 2-0, before bouncing back with a complete 90-minute performance, defeating Perth 3-0.

Attacker Moudi Najjar opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a powerful strike from just inside the penalty area. The striker was played through by Josh Cavallo, before burying his effort inside the far post, leaving Perth’s goalkeeper with no chance.

City continued to press the Glory defence, creating and forcing a number of chances in front of goal. Perseverance eventually prevailed in the 86th minute when captain Dylan Pierias doubled the visitor’s lead with a well-struck effort from just inside the box.

Youngster Idrus Abdulahi played a perfectly weighted ball through to his skipper, who made no mistake.

Four-minutes later Stafan Colakovski’s strike took a deflection to beat Glory shot-stopper Jackson Lee and secure the result for City. The attacker made an immediate impact off the bench in his second game back from an ACL injury.

The result flattered the opposition with City outclassing their opponents throughout the 90 minutes. Returning from injury, senior defender Curtis Good was a clear stand-out at centreback, providing leadership and bringing great composure to the defensive line. City also welcomed back a host of talent including Moudi Najjar, Josh Cavallo, Dylan Pierias and Anthony Lesiotis, with all four players having an immediate impact on the game. City faced Melbourne Victory after the time of print on Saturday 1 December. Head to our website for the match result.

2018/19 Y-LEAGUE FIXTURES Round 2 Brisbane Roar 2 Melbourne City 0

Round 3 Perth Glory 0 Melbourne City 3

Round 4 Sat 1 Dec, 4.30pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 6 Sat 15 Dec, 3.30pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 7 Sun 23 Dec, 4.00pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 8 Fri 4 Jan, 4.00pm Epping Stadium

Round 9 Sun 20 Jan 4.00pm CB Smith Reserve

Round 10 Fri 25 Jan, 4.30pm Marsden Complex

CITY INSIDER SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER

MATCH SQUADS

MELBOURNE CITY v NEWCASTLE JETS

MELBOURNE CITY FC

NEWCASTLE JETS

HEAD COACH: WARREN JOYCE

HEAD COACH: ERNIE MERRICK

1 18 42

MARK BIRIGHITTI EUGENE GALEKOVIC JAMES DELIANOV

1 20 40

GLEN MOSS LEWIS ITALIANO NOAH JAMES

2 3 4 5 13 22 25 36

RITCHIE DE LAET SCOTT JAMIESON HARRISON DELBRIDGE BART SCHENKEVELD NATHANIEL ATKINSON CURTIS GOOD IACOPO LA ROCCA DYLAN PIERIAS

4 13 16 17 18 44

NIGEL BOOGARD IVAN VUJICA NICK COWBURN DANIEL GEORGIEVSKI JOHNNY KOUTROUMBIS NIKOLAI TOPOR-STANLEY

6 7 8 10 15 21 26 34 38 39

OSAMA MALIK ROSTYN GRIFFITHS RILEY MCGREE DARIO VIDOSIC KEARYN BACCUS RAMY NAJJARINE LUKE BRATTAN CONNOR METCALFE JOSH CAVALLO ANTHONY LESIOTIS

5 6 10 19 23 29 32

BEN KANTAROVSKI STEVEN UGARKOVIC RONALD VARGAS KOSTA PETRATOS MATTHEW RIDENTON JAKE ADELSON ANGUS THURGATE

11 19 23 27 30 37

MICHAEL O'HALLORAN LACHLAN WALES BRUNO FORNAROLI FLORIN BERENGUER MOUDI NAJJAR GIANLUCA IANNUCCI

3 7 8 9 11 14 24

JASON HOFFMAN DIMI PETRATOS JAIR ROYO'DONOVAN MITCH AUSTIN KAINE SHEPPARD JOEY CHAMPNESS

ROUND 7 SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 10.00PM NIB STADIUM

FOLLOW US

MELBOURNE CITY FC

ROUND 8 SUNDAY 16 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 7.00PM COOPERS STADIUM

@MELBOURNECITY

ROUND 9 SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER KICK-OFF 7.50PM AAMI PARK

@MELBOURNECITY