You may not have recognised several of the Academy players that were on the team-sheet for last nights Australia Cup game. This page gives a bit of background on those players.
40. Jordan Baylis:
Junior Club: Cardiff City FC
Bio: Jordan joined the Newcastle Jets in 2020 as a member of our U15s squad. A talented young keeper, Baylis has featured on the bench several times for the senior team across both the Australia Cup and A-League. He played an important part in the youth teams unbeaten 2024 FNSW League Two season.
Whilst he did not get on the field last night, he was in the squad as the goalkeeper on the bench.
41. Lucas Scicluna:
Junior Club:
Bio: Lucas has had an interesting football career so far. Having spent more than ten years in England as a part of the Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers academies. From there, he moved to the Central Coast Mariners youth team where he was heavily involved in their 2024 NPL NSW campaign. He also featured in five matches for the Mariners first team across the A-League and Australia cup. He recently joined the academy midway through the 2025 Academy Season. Lucas is an U19 international for Malta.
Lucas was subbed on in the 87th minute, replacing Japanese international Kota Mizunuma.
42. Max Cooper:
Junior Club: Warners Bay FC
Bio: A centre-back with impressive aerial and technical ability, Max Cooper has already put in several eye-catching displays for the youth team their season. Keen followers of our academy page may remember the last-minute winner he scored against Northern Tigers earlier this season. Max has spent several years within the Jets academy, winning the U18s players players award in 2024.
Max started in the heart of defence alongside Aleksandar Šušnjar, making several important interceptions and clearances as he played the full 90 minutes.
43. Xavier Bertoncello:
Junior Club: New Lambton
Bio: Xavier has been a part of the Jets academy since the age of 9. The striker won the 2024 Emerging Jet award at the 23/24 end of season awards ceremony. Xavier has been heavily involved in the youth team since he was 16, and was the leading goal scorer for the team as they went unbeaten in the 2024 FNSW League Two season with 18 goals. Xavier has been a regular feature in the A-League Men’s pre-season, having scored in their friendly against St George. Â
Xavier started on the left wing last night, playing 62 minutes before being replaced by Ethan Debono. Xavier applied constant pressure to the Adelaide backline, and had a near miss with a long distance strike that left the Adelaide keeper scrambling.
46. Ethan Debono:
Junior Club: Terrigal United
Bio: Ethan joined the Newcastle Jets academy ahead of the 2025 academy season, having spent time at both the Central Coast Mariners and Macarthur. An explosive and technical winger, Ethan has already hit double digits for goals this season for the youth team. He has also represented Malta at U19 level, as well as featuring for the Australian U18 Schoolboys team.
Ethan was introduced in the 62nd minute, replacing Xavier Bertoncello. Ethan almost got on the scoresheet, as he got behind the Adelaide defence before having his shot blocked by a retreating defender.
