While most of Newcastle was preparing for Christmas lunch, the city's professional football team was hard at work on the training pitch. The Newcastle Jets held a crucial session on Christmas Day, a necessary sacrifice as they prepare for a Boxing Day A-League Men blockbuster against Macarthur FC.
The Grinch Role: A Coach's Unwanted Tradition
Jets coach Mark Milligan admits he doesn't enjoy playing the role of the Grinch who steals Christmas. However, as both a former player and now a coach, he is all too familiar with the professional demands that keep footballers away from family during the festive season. The Jets face Macarthur at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 26, making the Christmas Day training session at Turton Road a non-negotiable part of their preparation.
"I was a player too," Milligan reflected. "My wife said to me the other day: 'I don't remember you ever having a day off'." This will be the Jets' third Boxing Day fixture on home turf. Their history includes a 2-1 derby loss to the Central Coast Mariners in 2008 in front of 11,413 fans, and a 2-2 draw with Wellington Phoenix in 2016 witnessed by 8,451 spectators.
Players Accept the Festive Sacrifice
For goalkeeper James Delianov, whose parents are visiting from Melbourne, the Christmas Day workload is simply part of the job description. "I think I have played on Christmas Day as well," Delianov said. "It's part of the job. There are no worries for us. We're focused on Macarthur and getting three points."
The Jets are chasing a third consecutive victory, a feat they have achieved only once in the past six years. With the cricket Ashes series already concluded, Milligan is hopeful local sports fans will turn their attention to the football. "They should come to the football," he urged. "The tests are done. We have won."
Building Momentum After Sydney FC Triumph
The Jets head into the match buoyed by a statement 2-0 win over Sydney FC, a performance Milligan rates among their best since he took charge. The clean sheet was their first in eight matches this season. "It was about time we got a clean sheet. I was really proud of the boys," Delianov stated, highlighting the team's improved defensive focus.
Midfielder Max Burgess has recovered from a groin injury, with Milligan to assess his availability after the Christmas Day session. The Jets currently sit in sixth spot on the A-League Men ladder with 12 points, ahead of seventh-placed Macarthur only on goal difference.
Macarthur Present a Unique Challenge
Macarthur arrive in Newcastle after a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City on Tuesday night, a match where Korean striker Ji Dong-won limped off with a foot injury in the 26th minute. Coach Mile Sterjovski acknowledged his squad is battling illness and injuries but took positives from the away result. Like the Jets, Macarthur also planned a short Christmas Day training session to assess their squad.
Milligan warned that Macarthur, who have been competing in the Asian Champions League 2, pose a different threat. "They haven't been so consistent in the league, but they have been very good in the Asian Champions League 2," he noted. "They pose a different threat to what Sydney do. We know they are going to be organised and compact."
For the Jets players and staff, the hope is that their Christmas Day sacrifice will be rewarded with a vital three points in front of a festive home crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium.
