Australia NewsNow Grand Final Gets Personal |
NEWCASTLE Jets have stepped up the mind games in the run up to their grand final clash with a sledge on Central Coast Mariners striker Sasho Petrovski.
To see behind the scenes at Mariners' training and team photo session...
Former Sydney striker Petrovski - who played against the Mariners in their last grand final in 2006 - became a target after bragging about his skill.
He claimed he and striker sidekick John Aloisi would have ended the Jets' finals hopes if they'd been playing against the Newcastle side in their game against Roar.
“Queensland could have killed Newcastle off and been in the grand final, but they didn't punish them,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I believe we would have punished them … if they make mistakes then myself and John can make them pay for it.”
Now Jets coach Gary van Egmond has responded with a snide blast at the veteran hitman.
“Unfortunately Sasho’s not the sharpest tool in the shed,” van Egmond said.
“If anyone’s had a conversation with Sash, they'll understand what I’m talking about.
“I think he opens his mouth before he thinks.”
And Jets captain Jade North added fuel to the fire, saying: "He's scored two goals all season and I don't think he's got any more in him."
Petrovski has actually scored eight goals so far this season.
North reckons the Mariners will be jaded after a two week break. The Mariners didn't play last week, but the Jets have been through two gruelling marathon matches to reach the final.
But North insisted: “I think they're a bit worried to be playing us, to be honest.
“I bet they were cheering for Queensland to get through, but that wasn’t the case, and here we are, on a roll.
“I think them having the week off, they don't have any momentum going into the game.
“I’m just telling you now, they better be on their game.”
To see behind the scenes at Mariners' training and team photo session...
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