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Winless Jets out to ruffle stumbling Perth

3 minute read

Winger Nick Fitzgerald wants Newcastle Jets to shed their profligate ways and secure a first A-League home win over Perth Glory in eight years.

Newcastle Jets are desperately seeking a strong start to their home A-League encounter with Perth for two reasons, and both relate to confidence.

Winger Nick Fitzgerald admits the hosts' self-belief has taken a hit after earning a solitary point through their three opening games.

And he's adamant a class-laden Glory side coming off defeat can be rattled on Saturday if the likes of star playmaker Diego Castro is shut down in the opening exchanges.

The Jets have entered an early-season tailspin following last week's 4-1 loss to Sydney FC and Fitzgerald concedes the players are struggling to make peace with the fact they've created numerous chances in all three games but failed to capitalise.

It was a similar refrain last year from Ernie Merrick's team and Fitzgerald, who joined his fifth A-League club when he shifted from Western Sydney this year, wants the rot to stop.

"The thing I love about Ernie is he loves attacking football, you don't see that a lot from the coaches in this league," he said.

"The first two games, we were quite clearly the better team but that finishing product just wasn't there. It's a bit of a confidence thing. If we can get an early goal, the nerves will sort of settle and we concentrate on playing our football."

Fitzgerald, a former A-League winner with both Brisbane and Central Coast, believes the Jets had paid the price for sitting out a bye in the first round, leaving them just off the pace through the opening weeks.

He can spy an opportunity against a Perth side coming off their own humbling, a 2-1 defeat at home to the Mariners.

If their heads are down in any way, Fitzgerald said the Jets need to capitalise.

"It's a long trip for them. A flight to Sydney and then a bus trip up so they might be a bit flat in the opening minutes of the game. That's where we've got to stamp our authority," he said.

"Get stuck into players like Castro early and let him know that he's not going to have any space and he's going to have to work for it."

Doing so could set Newcastle up for their first home win over Perth in eight years.

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