That is what people can expect and that is what people will get from me - 110 per cent all the way to the end.
- Steve Ugarkovic
STEVEN Ugarkovic wants to go out with a bang at the Newcastle Jets.
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The industrious midfielder will become the first A-League player to make 100 consecutive appearances when he lines up for the Jets against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Each one of those games has been played with the same never-say-die effort and tireless work ethic.
"Growing up watching the A-League - my old man and I watched every game in the first few years - and to be playing in it and to obviously reach this milestone is great," Ugarkovic said.
"It doesn't stop here. I want to see how many I can get and keep playing well."
Ugarkovic has signed with Western Sydney Wanderers next season, where he will reunite with former Jets coach Carl Robinson.
The decision was made in January after a tumultuous off-season in which Robinson departed and there was growing uncertainty about the club's financial state.
Since Ugarkovic committed to Wanderers, the Jets have undergone a change in ownership, have brought in a host of players and confirmed that interim coach Craig Deans will steer the squad at least until the end of next season.
Despite the Jets' settled future, Ugarkovic maintains he needs a change.
"It has come to a point where it's time for me to move on," the 26-year-old said. "It's time for a new challenge. I have been here five years now. There is no bad blood with anyone here, it has just reached a time in my career where I want a new challenge."
Before departing, Ugarkovic has unfinished business.
Initially concerned that the Jets may struggle to be competitive, the target is now the play-offs.
"I would love to finish with a final series at the Jets," he said. "That would be a great achievement for the club and the fans.
"We have played in the final series once [in 2018]. That taste we had was amazing. I would love to go out and give the fans something to remember me by. Go out with a bit of a bang. That would be my biggest goal.
"We are four games unbeaten. The mood is good but we can't get carried away with ourselves. It is only two wins out of the four games. We need to keep adding more points and more good performances."
Regardless of the Jets' position on the table, Ugarkovic's commitment and output won't change.
"I have shown that the whole time I have been here," he said. "I have played through injury, not complained, just got on with my job. That is what people can expect and that is what people will get from me - 110 per cent all the way to the end."
Ugarkovic began the sequence of games against Melbourne Victory in round eight of the 2016-17 campaign.
He partnered Englishman Wayne Brown in the centre of the park in a 2-0 loss at Sunday's venue.
Quiet and unassuming early in his career, Uguarkovic has grown into the commander of the midfield, this season guiding the next wave, Angus Thurgate, Ramy Najjarine and Luka Prso.
Najjarine (ankle) trained strongly on Tuesday and is expected to be available against Victory. Matt Millar and Jason Hoffman (groin) are also in contention for a starting spot.
"It is good to have those selection problems," Ugarkovic said. "They are all quality players and we have quality players now on the bench. The depth is good."
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James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
