Much focus will be on the Jets as they unveil their star-studded roster for the first time, after sitting out the opening weekend with the bye.
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Saturday 29 October 2011
Adamstown Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 2pm
Much focus will be on the Jets as they unveil their star-studded roster for the first time, after sitting out the opening weekend with the bye.
Their impressive off-season recruitment drive, the likes of which has rarely been matched in the short-history of the Westfield W-League, has heaped much expectation on Clayton Zane-s team.
In global terms the most prominent recruit is Ariane Hingst, with the CV of the long-serving Germany defender having few equals. Four FIFA Women-s World Cup tournaments, including two as a winner, three Olympic Games appearances and an array of domestic honours in Germany are just some of Hingst-s notable achievements.
The Jets will also unveil national team captain Melissa Barbieri and Matildas team-mate Lisa De Vanna, arguably the two most prominent players in the Australian game. Add in returning Novocastrian Emily van Egmond after a stint with Canberra, and a host of Young Matildas linking with the Jets, and it truly is a mouth-watering prospect.
The visitors are seeking to kick-start a renaissance under new coach, New Zealander David Edmondson.
After three seasons of disappointment, Adelaide have a major task at hand as they aim to put the memory of last season-s wooden spoon behind them.
While the opening round ended in disappointment with a 4-1 loss against Canberra United, the Lady Reds can take some solace from the match.
After falling behind before they had time to catch their breath, Adelaide showed resolve in drawing level and holding their seasoned opponents until the hour mark before falling apart in the latter stages.
