IT'S BEEN a topsy-turvy campaign for Craig Deans and his Newcastle Jets Youth Team.

They’re the only side to have beaten top-of-the-table Sydney FC, but they’re also the only team to have lost to last-placed Melbourne Victory (which they have done twice at home this season).

Like their superiors in the first team, they too have only managed three wins this season.

However, the National Youth League isn’t and shouldn’t be about results. Rather, it’s about enhancing and developing young talent for future A-League and Australian football glory, while at the same time giving football tragics nationwide the chance to say “I told you so” when their favourite boy hits the big time.

So, with my crystal ball in hand and my observations from having attended the majority of the Jets Youth teams home matches this year, here are my top five Jets young guns destined for greatness – the five I’ll surely get to use Johnny Warren’s famous words on. Well, maybe. Prove me right boys...prove me right.

1. James Virgili
Too young to be registered in the Jets Youth squad at the start of the season, Virgili’s a crafty midfielder who usually plays on the right. Whilst slender in build, Virgili has great technique and awareness for his age. A product of Northern NSW Football’s NSWIS program, Virgili is so young he could spend another five seasons in the Jets Youth squad, but I reckon he’ll get the call for promotion to a fulltime contract long before then. A goal in every third match from midfield so far, agents, scouts, take note!

2. Jordan Griffiths
No relation to Joel or Adam, for goalkeeper Griffiths the sky seems the limit. He’s been the difference between what would have been some quite lopsided score lines for Jets Youth this year and, like Virgili, is also a 2008 Northern NSWIS scholarship holder. Makes some outstanding diving saves and is accomplished with the ball at his feet. Having already played for the first team against the Mariners in pre-season, it seems certain he’ll add to his first team tally in the A-League proper. I’ve heard confidence can be an issue, but this kid has every right to be self-assured.

3. Jesse Pinto
Promoted to the first team bench in front of other first teamers for the Jets Round 11 clash with Perth glory, Pinto sports a mean haircut and even meaner skills. An attacking midfielder, Pinto is the one player in Jets Youth of whom you can expect the unexpected. In the Nicky Carle mould, Pinto seems to have a good work ethic but can go missing. If he can add some more consistency to his game, he’s definitely one to look out for.

4. Taylor Regan
One of the older members of the squad, Regan is Captain of Jets Youth. Formerly of Azzurri FC in the Northern NSW State League, he’s by no means flashy, but he is consistent. Listed on the Jets website as a midfielder, he’s spent most of this year in the backline and controls play well. Perhaps slightly slower than others, what Regan lacks in pace he makes up for with his leadership, communication and ball winning ability. Back him each way to go further.

5. Brodie Mooy
Striker Mooy has only scored twice this year, but is confident enough to shoot from just about anywhere. Sporting a stocky frame, Mooy’s quite quick and holds the ball up well. Mooy works himself into good positions, so if he can improve his finishing he should flourish. When not playing shooting for goal, Mooy studies for school (he got a UAI of 97 in this year’s NSW HSC). Anyone with those sorts of smarts has a bright future. A+!

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Not only has the NYL allowed new, young boys to shine, it’s also sorting the wheat from the chaff. Indeed, trawl the Newcastle Jets forum and I actually supported the signing of Antun Kovacic after his impressive trial against the Mariners in Budgewoi. Harsh lesson to learn, but I’ll never judge a player after one showing again. Poor form at training and in the National Youth League has given the Jets the perfect chance to ditch “Bambi on Ice”. Having secured a two-year deal, it seems Antun has now given the Jets the perfect excuse to ditch him. Watch this space.

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