Dutchy won't settle for draw

The Jets have an impressive record in the Victorian capital, having won three of the five games between the two clubs down south.

Coach Gary van Egmond has expressed his desire of maintaining the Jets' head-to-head dominance over Victory.

"We are definitely looking for three points against Melbourne," van Egmond said.

"It's always a tough game down there. They've recruited well and they've got a lot of good players and in some instances it must be quite difficult for Ernie (Merrick) to select a squad, or even an 11, with the amount of playing talent that he's got down there.

"They've got big expectations this year in regards to winning the league and I know our boys are well and truly looking forward to the challenge."

Forming a pivotal part of the Jets' squad once again this weekend will be goalkeeper Ante Covic and captain Jade North. The pair were selected in an extended 27-man Socceroos squad to play against the Netherlands and Uzbekistan in the coming weeks.

Covic and North were the only players from the Hyundai A-League selected in the squad, and it is an achievement not lost on their club coach.

"We've got two players out of the whole A-League who are in the Australian squad and they come from Newcastle. Jade North is not only in the squad but up until the last game was in the 11," said van Egmond.

In another boost for the champions, Danish import Jesper Hakansson will be available for the clash after
overcoming a calf injury which saw him sidelined for the opening two rounds of the season.

Van Egmond stated he would place the Dane immediately into the starting 11.

"Jesper will start tomorrow and I think he'll play a more forward going position," he said.

"The combination in that front third looks good and as we've stated, it is going to take a little bit of time to get used to people but that is only going to come with more time together and understanding with each other."