Those making the pilgrimage to Central Coast Stadium for the F3 Derby will be treated to a spectacle from yesteryear, as a travelling contingent of Jets legends take on former Central Coast Mariners in the Legends Challenge.
Supporting Men of Football, the curtain raiser will kick off at 4pm and will feature two 15-minute halves in a full-field hit out.
The match carries on from last season’s inaugural Legends Challenge, as the history of the F3 Derby will be celebrated with the likes of Joel Griffiths, Matt Thompson and Labinot Haliti step out onto Central Coast Stadium.
The Jets’ legends will be looking to defend their title after last year, after taking bragging rights with a nail biting win on penalties in 2016/17.
CEO, Lawrie McKinna said that the club had assembled a classy bunch of former Jets to challenge the host side.
“They’re not only a talented bunch of footballers, but a great bunch of guys to represent our club and community as part of this Legends Challenge,” said McKinna.
“It’s a great initiative that we’re happy to be a part of, the F3 Derby rivalry is alive and well, and this is a great curtain raiser for a big night of football.”
The game will take place shortly before the commencement of the Jets’ first match of the Hyundai A-League season – kicking off at 5:35pm.
The Newcastle Jets:
Matt Thompson
Steve Eagleton
Joel Griffiths
Adam Griffiths
Kaz Patafta
Nick Carle
Mark Wilson
Ante Covic
Scott Ballie
Labinot Haliti
*Squad list it subject to change due to late signings or injury concerns
Central Coast Mariners:
Daniel McBreen
Patrick Zwaanswijk
Andre Gumprecht
Dean Heffernan
Adam Kwasnik
Justin Pasfield
Damien Brown
Brad Porter
Matt Trott
*Squad list it subject to change due to late signings or injury concerns
Men of Football is a not-for-profit organisation that focus on initiatives including, assisting past football participants who may have fallen on hard times; providing support and assistance to the families of past and present football participants who have passed on or need their support; and assisting current football participants to realise their potential.
‘Legends Challenge’ – Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Round 1
Central Coast Mariners Legends vs. Newcastle Jets Legends followed by Central Coast Mariners vs. Newcastle Jets
Date: Saturday 7 October
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Gates Open: 3:45pm
Kick-off: 4:00pm
