Ahead of a crucial clash against Melbourne City, Newcastle Jets forward Jason Hoffman says he is happy to play in any role, so long as the team does well.
Hoffman, 29, was born in Newcastle and returned to Hunter last season after four seasons at Melbourne City and Heart.
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Having found some form under Ernie Merrick’s revolution, Hoffman insisted he wanted to do what was best for the team and that their results came first for him.
“First and foremost, I think the team means something to everyone. But obviously being a Novocastrian, a local boy, I think some people forget I was a fan,” said Hoffman.
“I was a fan of the club, of Newcastle football, and it means something a little bit more to come from this area and want to do well.
“So for me the team will always come first and, whilst it’s important to be happy in yourself and play good football, I’ll be happy if the team does well.
“I feel like if I can keep performing strongly and contribute to the team doing well, hopefully I’ll enjoy my football and the team will go up the table.”
Familiar surroundings for Hoffman
Newcastle Jets will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this season after leaving Western Sydney with all three points in Round 5.
By Hoffman’s admission, Melbourne City offer an interesting proposition, and one he and his teammates can’t take lightly.
“Melbourne City are always going to be a very dangerous team,” said Hoffman.
“They’re the type of team that can play a certain way one week and then change up the next week, and they’re a little bit unpredictable.
“For us, we definitely have to focus on what we’re doing and make sure that whatever comes our way on Sunday, we’re going to be prepared.
“And I feel we’ve prepared all week, and we’re ready to go, we’re ready to take on another good team.”
Bald predictions
Football aside, fans may notice a few shaved heads and moustaches at AAMI Park on Sunday night.
Hoffman and some of his teammates went one step further than shaving their moustaches for Movember.
“Some of the boys at the Movember shave off event were willing to dive in and raise money for a good cause. For me, I found it a bit hard to part with the barnet,” said Hoffman.
“But after a very guilty trip home I even had a conversation with the wife, she caned me, and I thought ‘I’ve got turn straight back around and get this barnet off.’
“It’s all about raising awareness and I think with a few of us going bald, shaving it off, Sunday night will hopefully be a talking point but the bigger issue is men’s health.
“It’s for a good cause and I’m glad I did it better late than never.”
