The Newcastle Jets are currently in the midst of rebuilding the club almost from scratch. Football Federation Australia has taken over the club and announced former Fulham assistant Scott Miller as head coach.
Despite still being four months away from the season, there is a lot of work for Miller to do to get his side ready for the new campaign. At the time of writing, only 14 players are currently contracted to the club, leaving plenty of room for Miller and his assistant Jean-Paul de Marigny to build the team they want to work with.
Of the players currently available in the Australian domestic scene, Outside90 believes the following five players could be of use to the Jets:
Jamie MacLaren
The 21-year-old is now available for free transfer after getting a release from his deal at the Perth Glory. The youth international spent two seasons in Western Australia and still managed to net nine goals last season despite being given limited game time. The Victorian-born could move to either Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory, or he could become a stand-out player for the Newcastle Jets.
A proven goalscorer, the Jets will be silly not to make signing him a priority.
Tomi Juric
If that move fails then Tomi Juric could be the player to step into the number nine role. The 23-year old moved to Adelaide after an unsuccessful stint in Europe. From then he played for the Western Sydney Wanderers where he scored 12 goals and netted the winner in the Asian Champions League final. Many have argued that Juric is not ready for an overseas move and now that he is available a move to Newcastle could be a valuable stepping stone.
Despite being widely regarded as a promising striker, Juric lacks a consistent scoring record. Another year in the A-League could turn him into the prolific goal scorer we hope he can be. Again, he will be guaranteed to lead the Jets attack if he moves up the F3.
Zachary Anderson
One player who does not have as far to go up the F3 is former Mariner Zachary Anderson. At 24, Anderson was an experienced member of the Central Coast side over the past two seasons, but a lack of game time under Phil Moss led to the former Gold Coast defender being released from his contract. There will be a number of sides after Anderson’s signature, and the fact that Newcastle already have Daniel Mullen and Nigel Boogaard could be a decisive factor in his decision. Just like the names listed above, he has already been linked with a move to Newcastle and will be a great asset to Miller’s side.
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Mate Dugandzic
In a move that shocked many, in May Melbourne City announced they will not be renewing the contract of Mate Dugandzic. It was not too long ago he was considered as one of the best wingers in the competition and one of the country’s brightest prospects. There is still time for the 25-year old to make an impact in the A-League and a fresh start at the Newcastle Jets could be the way to go.
Quick, skilful and a goal scorer, the Jets could do with a player like Dugandzic given the loss of other attackers, such as Andrew Hoole and James Virgili.
Jason Hoffman
In 2010, Jason Hoffman left his hometown club as a striker to join new franchise Melbourne Heart. Five years later, the 26-year old is now at home at right back, a position that is currently vacant at the Newcastle club. While he is still under contract with Melbourne City, he would not be the first player to ask for a release to join another A-League club.
If played consistently, Hoffman could become a valuable player at right back, offering another element to Newcastle’s attack.
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