He has been deployed across the midfield, has been used as a makeshift striker and spent the odd shift in defence.

After a breakout season as a deep-lying playmaker last campaign, Thurgate is back in a more familiar role under new coach Arthur Papas - and he is loving it.

"I am playing a bit more advanced at the moment, more attack-minded," Thurgate said. "It is pretty evident that you can end up playing anywhere on the field, the way the boss wants to play.

"It changes every week. We are always adapting. Sometimes it is with two high midfielders, sometimes it is two deeper ones.

"I played a fair bit of last season a bit deeper, a position I was still learning about. I definitely enjoy working harder up the other end of the pitch.

"The type of football we play, chances will be happening all over the place. That is definitely one step I need to take in my game - adding more numbers in the front third, whether it be goals or assists."

After starting in all but one game last season, Thurgate won't be short of competition for a spot in the XI this campaign.

Imports Olivier Boumal, Beka Mikeltadze, Daniel Penha and Savvas Siatravanis all play in the front third.

"The more quality that comes in, everyone's training levels rise and you will get the best version of yourself out," Thurgate said.

"I see it as a positive. The foreign players have their individual qualities. It is exciting for us. Ollie is really explosive and likes to take defenders on. Beka likes the ball at his feet, can manipulate defenders and is a good finisher as well. It is good signs for what is to come."

Siatravanis has completed quarantine and will start training this week after a final medical. Penha finishes quarantine on Saturday.

The Jets are also set to sign a holding midfielder from overseas.

"Going by the first two (imports), I'm excited to see what they bring," Thurgate said.

The Jets have been training for almost three months but are yet to play a trial game due to COVID-19 restrictions, but Thurgate is confident that will hit the ground running in their season opener against the Central Coast on Sunday, November 21.

"We have been working very hard," he said. "In terms of the training and the amount of training, it is the toughest pre-season I have had. We are working really hard and trying to get the best out of each other every day.

"What has surprised me has been the intensity and sharpness. Even the internal matches, the high speed metres that we are reaching are much better than last season. We are definitely working hard to have a successful season."

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