MARKO JESIC is no stranger to a knee injury testing his resolve. At just 22, the Olyroos striker is a survivor of three knee reconstructions.

The most recent was the second on his right knee, which was completed using a tendon from his brother Cedo's hamstring.

Each time Jesic has overcome the trial of rehabilitation to follow his football dream. However, this time someone else's pain has provided him with a challenge.

The loss of marquee signing Jason Culina to a season-ending knee injury has left open the key playmaking role in the Jets formation for their season, which starts on October 8.

Coach Branko Culina said Jesic and Ali Abbas had been used at No.10 in the Jets' unbeaten pre-season and both had shown promise. But Culina believes Jesic, who has played in a wide left attacking role or as a second striker with the Jets, has great potential as an attacking midfielder.

Jesic knows the opportunity is there for him to fill the huge boots of Newcastle's fallen Socceroo but believes the Jets can succeed without their main man.

''When I first started playing there it was a bit hard getting the understanding of what to do, where to run and all that, but after a few games the understanding is coming and I've actually enjoyed playing there the last couple of games - and scored a few goals,'' Jesic said.

''Everyone knows the calibre of Jason and what he can do, he's shown that playing for the Socceroos and overseas.

''But we've played all of our pre-season games without him, and even though some haven't been the best hit-outs, we're undefeated at the moment and beaten Sydney and Melbourne Heart. With or without Jason we can win.

''It would have been good to have Jason, it would add a bit more quality, but I'm sure the boys who step into the role can do the job.''

He said his new midfield role was an exciting challenge. ''The main bit is you just have to think ahead, where to run and what ball to play, you have to think twice as fast and you can't be flat-footed,'' he said.