Thurgate's 36th-minute strike was enough to earn the Jets a 1-0 win against competition newcomers Western United at Geelong's GMHBA Stadium - their first victory of 2019-20, after two losses and two draws.

The 19-year-old from Port Macquarie debuted for the Jets two seasons ago but has been brought along gradually by coach Ernie Merrick, making only 20 appearances before Saturday.

In the absence of central striker Abdiel Arroyo, who was on duty with the Panama national side, Merrick gambled on a new-look formation, using wingers Jason Hoffman and Nick Fitzgerald as his most advanced attackers, with Thurgate and Socceroo Dimi Petratos sitting deeper and centrally.

"Gus played like a false nine, coming from a deep position ... he combined really well with Dimi," Merrick said. "Angus obviously got the goal and Dimi, who had a terrific game as well, set him up for it."

Merrick admitted "it's not his ideal position" but added that he was confident Thurgate would "do a job" wherever he was selected.

"He can play six, he can play 10, he can play high in the front three," Merrick said.

"His best position is No.8.

"But what I've tried to talk him into doing is focusing on being a No.8, but further ahead."

It was only the second goal of Thurgate's A-League career.

The Young Socceroos representative also scored the winner against Western Sydney last season, breaking a 2-all deadlock.