The Newcastle Jets are set to kick off their Australia Cup title defense with the addition of new signing Alex Grant, who is eager to make an impact. The seasoned defender joined the Jets after parting ways with Sydney FC and is ready to step onto the pitch as the team prepares for their first match against Preston in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

New Addition to the Squad

Alex Grant, a 32-year-old left-sided centreback, joined the Jets on Sunday following a mutual termination of his contract with Sydney FC. He is the final significant addition to head coach Mark Milligan's roster, especially with the departures of Mark Natta and Joe Shaughnessy, who is recovering from knee surgery. Grant expressed his readiness to contribute, stating, "Sometimes in football you don't have time to react to certain situations, you've got to be ready when called upon." He has been training with Sydney for the past three weeks, ensuring he is fit for the upcoming challenges.

Familiar Faces and Team Dynamics

In his brief time with the Jets, Grant has already recognized several familiar faces from his previous stint at Sydney FC, including Max Burgess, Pat Wood, and Joe Lolley. He noted, "Obviously, I knew Burge from his time there, and played with Woody last year." Grant acknowledged the quality within the Jets squad, emphasizing the importance of getting to know his new teammates quickly.

Mark Milligan praised Grant as a "wonderful fit" for the team, particularly with the Asian Champions Elite competition approaching. Milligan highlighted the need for experienced players, stating, "The goal for us was always to add a little more experience because of Asia." Grant's background, including his time with the Pohang Steelers, who reached the final of the Asian Champions League in 2021, adds valuable experience to the Jets' lineup.

The Jets' successful campaign last season began with their triumph in the Australia Cup, where they defeated teams like Adelaide and Cooks Hill. As they embark on their title defense, the addition of Grant is expected to bolster their chances of repeating last season's success.