Destiny Derby

NEWCASTLE HERALD

THIS IS FOR YOU NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE JETS v CENTRAL COAST MARINERS - A-LEAGUE GRAND FINAL

THE COACH

AFTER we lost the major semi-final, we went over to clap the Jets supporters who had travelled to Bluetongue Stadium, and a number of them had tears in their eyes.

We spoke about that before the preliminary final. That is why it was so important for us to win on home soil against the Roar.

Adam MacDougall gave us a tremendous motivational speech for that match. ``Doogs'' was telling us that after the Knights won the 1997 GF people had smiles on their faces for six months.

It made us realise what the town is like. It's basically a blue-collar town, and there are people who do it a little tough.

That is why we can't ever let another team work harder than us. That is the culture of the town. They understand when you are having a go.

It is probably a little surprising a Newcastle team has not got to a grand final before - the town's produced some wonderful footballers like Ray Baartz, Reg Date, Col Curran, Graham Jennings, David Lowe and Craig Johnston - the most esteemed of all.

The Jets understand that opportunities like this do not come around too often.

You have to make the most of it. We won't let you down.

GARY VAN EGMOND

THE CAPTAIN

THE ultimate motivation for us as players is what it means for this city to be in a grand final.

We have made the finals three years in a row, and now we have made the grand final.

Every second person when I walk down the street has been stopping me and congratulating me.

It is a massive thing for Newcastle, and it's massive for football in the whole area and for all the kids who support us.

We are some of those kids' heroes, and that really is special to us.

And, personally, to be the first Aboriginal captain to lift that trophy would be unbelievable, not just for me but for the Aboriginal people.

It would be another way to say, ``Here we are and look at what we can achieve.''

I was born in Taree, and my family and friends will be at the game.

Everyone is wrapped up in this grand final.It is a special moment for all the boys.

The job is not done yet, but I'm sure we can bring home the trophy.

JADE NORTH

---

Article from: http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/Features.asp?feature_id=1007