Newcastle Jets winger Dimitri Petratos glad of scrutiny A-League defences have put him under
IT didn’t take long for Dimi Petratos to become a marked man – but now the Newcastle Jets winger, fresh from a Socceroos call-up under Bert van Marwijk - is poised to reap the rewards.
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IT didn’t take long for Dimi Petratos to become a marked man – but now the Jets winger is poised to reap the rewards.
Stop Petratos to stop the Jets became a weekly refrain in the second half of the season, with teams double or triple marking the Newcastle playmaker.
But a call-up to the Socceroos under Bert van Marwijk underlined how effective he has been in the Jets’ miracle season, and now the 25-year-old can see the value in the challenges he has been set.
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“Really it’s been a great experience for me every time it’s happened - but it’s not just me, other players have had that treatment as well,” Petratos said.
“It’s taught me how to deal with it, how to overcome that situation – whether to drag someone out and create space for another player or try to change my game to get more involved.
“It’s been very good for my confidence, and a great way to build up towards a grand final. Physically I feel good too, I just need a massage or two and I’ll be right for Saturday.
“I’m just going with the flow, trying to take it all in. I’m just really excited at how the season has turned out.”
Petratos has been one of the few constants in a season of injuries and suspensions at the Jets, and the winger revealed why Ernie Merrick’s squad had been able to cover for absentees without losing momentum.
“Mentally the whole squad has been excellent,” he said.
“At any time, players who haven’t played much have come in and done a job. That’s what you need in a team, with everyone on the same page.
“Mentally, it doesn’t matter if they’re not playing every week, everyone just has to stay humble, stay focused, continue to do that throughout the whole season.
“(Goalkeeper) Glen Moss, even on the weekend, he came in and did the job (in the wake of Jack Duncan’s injury).
“That’s the mental side of the game - he’s been switched on through the season and now he’s got his chance.”
Originally published as Newcastle Jets winger Dimitri Petratos glad of scrutiny A-League defences have put him under
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