2018-2019 SFL Preview: Joondalup ECU Jets

Last Season: 2nd (Championship)

Prepare to jump on the ECU bandwagon, or at the very least the party bus running express between Joondalup and Pro Futsal.

From perennial cellar dwellers in seasons past the Jets flew up the ladder into the lofty heights of second place after showing signs of life toward the end of the campaign before. That’s down to one man, Felippe Testa. The sometimes whistleblower a shining example of the perks in having a dedicated Coach at the helm. His side invigorated and ready to go up a level once again.

If the Championship Grand Final is anything to go by the league are in for a carnival of sound. With supporters sure to drown out the noise of any but the most ardent fan base, clubman Alvin Goh is sure to have the fans in song and fine voice. Even if he has to get on the pitch at some point. Prepare for the noise when he does.

It’s not just the fans. Backed by Edith Cowan University they have the support and facilities to carve out a monopoly out North. While other clubs scramble for sponsors, players and facilities the boys and girls in navy blue can rest easy and prepare for the season ahead. Can they get the big names in the door? Seb Bernard had found himself playing for ECU in the past between stints with FC Galaxy in the F-League. He could helps the new boys on the block, but who else?

Providing they pack 3 days of provisions and plenty of water for the long journey from Joondalup and back, it promises to be quite a ride as the Jets finally hit the big time.

Main Man: Alexander Donev

A Golden Glove winner in the Championship and standout in the Jet’s finals campaign. The lanky Gloveman with the big leap and disco splits will be decisive for the Jets in their coming crusade. Turning aside multiple attempts as the Ballajura Panthers lay siege to the Jets goal on Grand Final day the man from the North was a whirlwind of shot stopping and timely blocks. Time to see if he can produce that masterclass on a weekly basis in the summer.

One to Watch: Kyle Rauter

The captain of the side brings a touch of SFL street smarts to the newcomers following stints with Carioca and Perth United. Genuine leaders are in such short supply in the SFL. With the experience in the SFL at a premium in a raw Jets side it will fall to the man with the faux hawk to rally his side through the good times and the bad, and prove he isn’t just armband candy.