NEWCASTLE v Adelaide last Friday night in a key game, but what ended as a 0-0 draw. The game raised more questions than answers for Gary van Egmond and his team.

One question is who is going to score the goals? Ryan Griffiths, Jeremy Brockie, Labinot Haliti, Marko Jesic, Chris Payne, Ali Abbas and old “new” signings Mark Bridges and Francis Jeffers will make up the Jets attack this season.

Griffiths, Jeffers and Brockie started against the Reds and couldn’t find the back of the net, despite the Jets dominating the ball, particularly in the first half.

This was the case against Roar the week before as well, not making enough of chances to cause an upset over Roar. The Jets have scored eight goals in eight games, three of which were scored in one game. That is only better than Adelaide and Perth.

None of the names mentioned are proven consistent goal scorers, with the exception of Jeffers maybe, if he finds form like the one he showed in a guest stint for Newcastle last season but that's questionable.

Abbas is exciting, but lacks in front of goal. Haliti is mercurial and inconsistent. Ryan Griffiths is a good touch, but doesn’t make enough of his chances. Jeremy Brockie is a workhorse but needs full 90 minute fitness. Payne and Jesic are young and are still getting there. So I’m just not sure where they are at there. Is it a case of form?

Usually successful sides have a regular goal-scorer who puts in 10-15+ goal seasons, who is that for the Jets? I’m not sure if they have that sort of goalscorer. There are plenty of players loading the gun, just not pulling the trigger often enough to worry sides.

Is Michael Bridges the answer? The Newcastle favourite has come out of retirement this season and is getting nearer to the Jets squad. I’m not sure if a 33 year old striker with a dicky knee is the answer. If he is handled well, it is possible. I would suggest he be rotated through the side, with Jeffers, in the striker spot.

I can’t see either playing a full season starting, so why not manage both? Hopefully that will get the best out of them. Either man should start in a front third with Jeremy Brockie and Ryan Griffiths, who, despite not finishing as they should, can offer more than Haliti and Abbas.

Another issue is their form away from home. They were poor against Wellington away in a 2-0 loss, thrashed 3-0 by the Heart, lost 3-1 to Gold Coast and drew to Adelaide last week. That will need to improve that if they are going to play finals this season. At home, they have been more successful, collecting 9 from 12 possible points. If they continue their home form, and get points on the road, that’ll set them up for a good season.

With the return of Gary van Egmond to the job, the Jets are slowly building up again. I’m a fan of what he is trying to do there. Against Adelaide, there were signs of build-up play from the back, patience and passing the ball through midfield, just not enough has been made of their chances up the front.

The Jets have the players in midfield with Kantarovski, Wheelhouse, Wehrman and Zadkovich, Wehrman in particular is a great touch and passer of the ball. Questions about their final third are there, and that will need to be fixed.