NEWCASTLE JETS
By James Gardiner
SO it has come to this for Andrew Durante: his first game for the Jets against the Mariners was nearly his last, and now what is shaping as his last game for Newcastle is a grand final against the same club.
One of a handful of Jets originals, Durante has received a lucrative three-year offer to join Wellington Phoenix.
"There has been a lot of speculation, and I still have not made up my mind, but this could be my last game for the club," Durante said.
"It will certainly cross my mind when I go out there.
"I don't think it will be a distraction; more motivation.
"I want to win it for myself, the club and definitely for the fans. If I do leave, I will miss this place. It has been a special part of my career."
The wheel has turned full circle for Durante since that fateful night at Bluetongue Stadium in May 2005.
The wiry defender slid in to make a clearance near the halfway line. The ball was well and truly gone when Mariners striker Nick Mrdja stomped on his right leg, snapping it in two places.
The Jets went on to lose the World Club Championship qualifier in a shoot-out.
The tackle has become notorious.
"Whenever they talk about Central Coast and us, our two names are always mentioned," Durante said.
"I could not ask for a better team to be playing in the final, given the history.
"Obviously, with me having a broken leg in my first game sparked up the rivalry between the teams."
It was the second time in 20 months that Durante had suffered multiple fractures in an illegal tackle. He was forced to sit out the Jets' inaugural campaign but made a successful return last season.
There were times during the rehabilitation when he asked if it was all worth it.
"It has all paid off," Durante said.
Sentiment aside, Durante knows the job is not finished.
He and captain Jade North have copped much of the flak for a defence that leaked three goals against the Mariners a fortnight ago.
"There is no doubt that they have two quality strikers in John Aloisi and Sasho Petrovski, and we have to be on top of our game," he said.
"It is going to be a massive task for me and Jade, and we need to have a much better game than last time.
"You have to try and match them physically. They are strong boys, but you have to be a bit smarter and get into good positions; mark them on the right side of the goal to minimise their chances."
Ironically, Mrdja's A-League career has been cursed by injury.
In three seasons, he has made just nine appearances three this season and is at long odds to be re-signed by the Mariners.
Article source: http://theherald.yourguide.com.au/news/sport/soccer/durante-may-help-deliver-parting-gift-for-jets/1188650.html
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