It may not have been the result Craig Deans wanted but the Jets coach was overall happy with what he saw in a 2-1 loss to W-League champions Sydney on Sunday.
The Jets played the Sky Blues at Wagga Wagga in a rain-affected trial. It was their first real test ahead of a season-opener against Melbourne City in Newcastle on November 17.
Sydney struck twice before Newcastle scored just shy of half-time in a goalmouth scramble off a corner.
Gema Simon was the only player in a squad of 17, including new signings Nicki Flannery, Lauren Allan, Annabel Martin and Nicole Simonsen, that Deans did not use due to soreness.
Allan, a striker, replaced Simon and played out of position at left wingback in an appearance that pleased the coach.
"She was nervous before the game but had a couple of moments where she showed how dangerous she could be throughout the season," Deans said.
While they did not make the most of their chances, the Jets at times proved a handful in attack.
"We've got some genuine speed with Teigan [Collister] on one wing and Lauren on the other, and then Nicki Flannery and Jenna Kingsley up front with Tara [Andrews]," he said.
"So we had four really quick players and we did cause them some problems, so that was pleasing and it's certainly something we'll get some joy out of this season."
Newcastle players Sophie Nenadovic and Renee Pountney did not travel to Wagga Wagga due to injury and Tessa Tamplin was out with Young Matildads duties.
Sydney featured Matildas Chloe Logarzo, Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy.
"All in all, it wasn't too bad," Deans said. "They've still got to bring in four international players I would imagine on top of their starting team, so that will obviously make them stronger again.
"But we weren't outclassed constantly. We had our own moments of pressure and some good performances, so I wasn't too unhappy."
Another trial game, potentially to be played at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday as a double-header with their A-League counterparts, is yet to be confirmed.
