Abetew arrives in Newcastle on Monday and is likely to make his debut in the catch-up game against Broadmeadow Magic at Darling St Oval on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old made eight A-League appearances for Adelaide last season and is keen to continue at the top level.

"He has all the attributes to do that," said Griffiths, who is also in charge of recruitment for the Newcastle Jets. "His preferred position is centreback. Adelaide had Jordan Elsey and Michael Jakobsen and it was hard to get game time.

"He reached out to us and I really liked his video. The fact we are in the FFA Cup round-of-32 made us an attractive option. He still has a view to play in the A-League. It is up to him now to put is best foot forward and show the Jets or another A-League club what he can do. If I like what I see, I will help the boy try and get to where he wants to get to."

Griffiths, the Jets all-time leading goals-scorer, started the season in defence for Olympic, before rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in late April. They also lost Jacob Bailey to a serious groin injury.

"We are pretty light at the back," Griffiths said. "I think Yared is a great signing for the club."

Former Jets youth league striker Kent Harrison also joined Olympic during the 48 hour NPL transfer window which closed on Thursday.

Harrison is home from the US where he plays for George Mason University, but is currently hindered by a knee issue.

"I'm not banking on him finishing the season," Griffiths said. "It will depend on the situation in the US. He is a player who was already here and the boys know him. He is a couple of weeks away and will give us more depth up front."

While the new arrivals won't play on Sunday, there is a chance that captain Rhys Cooper and evergreen striker Ryan Griffiths will feature.

"Rhys Cooper is still doubtful with his facial injury but I will leave that up to him," Griffiths said. "Ryan's hamstring is recovering well and he will probably be OK for a bench spot."

Fifth-placed Olympic (16 points) sit two spots and six points below Maitland but have played two less ganes.

"Maitland are a good team," Griffiths said. "They are well organised and we will have have to be at our best to beat them. James Thompson up front and Zach Thomas in defence are really strong players. Left back Chris Frayers is suspended who I rate as well."

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Maitland are coming off a 1-0 win over Lake Macquarie which followed consecutive losses to Edgeworth (4-2) and Lambton (2-1) and a 1-all draw with Magic.

"Edgey, Magic and Jaffas are the three big teams," coach Mick Bolch said. "We led Edgey 2-0, Jaffas scored with five minutes to go to beat us and we drew with Magic. We were in every game up to our ears.

"A couple of little lapses defensively costs us. That was the pleasing thing last Friday night against Lake Macquarie, we kept a clean sheet. We just have to be better with the ball. We turned over too much possession.

"Olympic have been doing really well and have been underestimated.

They knocked us out of the FFA Cup and have made the round of 32."They are very dangerous going forward. They play well on the counter attack and have a lot of pace up front."

Elsewhere Sunday, Phoenix, who have brought in Shukurani Sunzu and Amanuel Ayelew, host leaders Lambton, Edgeworth meet Lake Macquarie at Jack McLaughlan Oval and Magic are home to Azzurri.

On Saturday, Rosebud welcome Weston to Adamstown Oval.

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