Flannery: 'They have great players, we have a great team'

In a massive confidence-booster for Newcastle Jets, they held Melbourne City to a 1-1 draw in their season opener.

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It was a huge clash for the much-derided Jets side, who despite lacking experience across the park and losing their talismanic midfielder Emily van Egmond to City in the off-season, proved a fantastic match for their opponents.

“We have so many young players, experienced players and quick players, so we’re not really threatened by the stars,” Nicki Flannery said before the match.

“They can have bunch of individuals and great players on their team but we have team cohesion and that doesn’t come easily."

It was none other than Van Egmond who struck first against her old club, giving City the lead on the 22nd minute. But Newcastle weren't fazed by their illustrious opponents, biting back through a phenomenal Teigen Collister volley on the 67th minute.

They then held on for what will prove an inspiring draw for Craig Deans' side as they try to wrong the critics and surprise everyone this season with one of the youngest squads in the competition.

“Everyone has been working hard and we’ve got a really good team dynamic coming into this first round, which is awesome," Flannery continued.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and it’s been really easy to fit into the squad. I just wanted to come in work hard and earn my position for Round 1."