The Newcastle Jets not only took an important point in a first-up draw on Sunday but also made one in showing they will not be pushed around this season.
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Many predicted a lop-sided scoreline as the Jets launched their season against a star-studded Melbourne City. But anyone who was at No.2 Sportsground for the historic 1-1 draw saw exciting signs for the Jets' season if they can replicate the same desire, work rate and tenacity.
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While City fielded a host of internationals, the Jets relied heavily on local talent.
But they played with a nothing to lose attitude, counter-attacked fearlessly and defended with steel and grit to almost come away with a stunning upset.
Taking a point off City was a milestone moment and something they had not been able to do in seven previous exchanges with high-profile players like Emily van Egmond on board.
Jets coach Craig Deans described the result and performance as "just the starting point" but was particularly pleased to see his side match the more experienced City players in physicality.
"In the past we've been really respectful of big-name players," Deans said.
"You need to acknowledge that there's good players in their team but you don't have to let them do what they want. You don't have to be that respectful.
"You're allowed to tackle them, you're allowed to hit them hard ... I thought they showed that they weren't afraid, that they weren't prepared to get pushed around and it was positive."
One player who out-muscled her more experienced counterparts on several occasions in the middle of the park and produced a tireless performance was Newcastle midfielder Libby Copus-Brown.
Previously a fringe player, the 22-year-old's performance on Sunday night against a City midfield which included Matildas van Egmond and Steph Catley and Japan's Yukari Kinga showed she planned to become a permanent fixture in her home-town side.
"Libby's got a lot of potential to be a really good player, she just needs to put her mind to it," Deans said.
"She's super fit this year - it's the first time she's been as fit as she is. I'm happy for her and I want her to be better than she is today and tomorrow and the next day.
"Libby has worked hard in pre-season and, [against City], her and [21-year-old] Clare [Wheeler] weren't outplayed in midfield. They held their own. Their passing was good, better than it's been in the past, and their work-rate was awesome."
The Jets face their next test at Bankwest Stadium on Friday against Western Sydney, who opened their season with a 2-1 win over Adelaide.
"Every is still going to write us off," Deans said.
"That was the wooden spooners against the champions. That's what pretty much every journalist in the country is writing.
"Next week will be the wooden spooners against the grand finalists in Western Sydney Wanderers ... It is what it is. We don't care what people say about us, we just want to do what we're doing and if we can play like that we'll win some games."
