Jets fans can expect a somewhat different starting line-up to round one when Newcastle host A-League Women's newcomers Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday.
It is not a knee-jerk reaction to Newcastle's 3-1 loss to Sydney on the road last Saturday.
Rather, the valuable midweek signing of Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond as well as suspension and injuries has forced a reshuffle.
Van Egmond will slot straight into the centre of the park, where the 110-capped Matilda will add stability and starch.
The Jets turned over the ball far too easily against the Sky Blues and protecting it better will be one of the directives issued by coach Ash Wilson on Friday.
Co-captain and long-serving Jets player Cassidy Davis shared the centre-back duties with Hannah Brewer against the Sky Blues with Taren King unavailable due to personal reasons.
King played in the centre of defence all of last season and her return this week allows Davis to shift back into midfield.
Young gun Kirsty Fenton made an impressive national league debut at left-back, holding Sydney's Cortnee Vine to account.
The 18-year-old Futures Matildas player, usually a centre-back, started in place of injured co-captain Gema Simon, who remains sidelined with a calf complaint.
Right-back Tiana Jaber is serving a one-match suspension after being red-carded for two yellow card offences against the Sky Blues.
American Elizabeth Eddy is a likely replacement for Jaber. The US import was energetic in midfield last weekend but told media on arrival to town that she had played pretty much everywhere, including plenty of experience at fullback.
Bethany Gordon started in the midfield but was forced off in the 33rd minute with a knee injury that looks set to have her sidelined for a few weeks at least. Lucy Johnson and Ash Brodigan both had game time there and are options for the other midfield position.
Up front is likely to have caused Wilson the most headaches. Lauren Allan did her case for a starting spot no harm by momentarily putting the Jets back in the game when she came off the bench to score.
Whoever starts, Wilson will want to see consistency against an "unpredictable" Phoenix.
"There were some moments in the first half against Sydney where we showed good composure and looked to play the positive brand of football that we've been working on, but it needed to be more consistent," Wilson said.
"Cheap turnovers, trying to force things that weren't on at times cost us. We know that it's not the standard of football that we want to play.
"Wellington are a young team full of energy, so I expect them to come out with a high-energy, high-pressing game. I think they're going to really take it to us. We have to be prepared for that."
The match is at 5.05pm and part of a club double-header. The men's match is at 7.45pm.
