Newcastle Jets can announce that club legend Jason Hoffman will close out his amazing career at the Jets on Saturday late afternoon against the Central Coast Mariners at McDonald Jones Stadium after a 17-year career as a professional footballer.
On Saturday Hoffman will hit the mark of having played 300 games in the A-League including 220 A-League games for the Newcastle Jets making him the most capped player in the history of the Newcastle Jets.
Across all competitions, including the Asian Champions League and Australia Cup, Hoffman has represented the Newcastle Jets 238 times.
He also made 81 appearances across all competitions with the Melbourne Heart/City.
Hoffman made his debut for the club in 2007, coming on as a substitute against Queensland Roar. The Novocastrian was also part of the Jet’s team which won the 2007/08 A-League Championship.
Hoffman reflected fondly on his time at the club.
“I’m incredibly proud of the fact that I have been able to represent Newcastle for such a long time. As a kid all I wanted to do was play for the Jets and I can’t believe that 17 years after getting my first opportunity to run on in an A-League game, I’ll step onto the field again for my 300th A-League match. The majority of that time has been spent at Newcastle, which is something I’m extremely proud of.
“For me to have the honour of playing my 300th A-League game at home in front of family and friends, and to reach this milestone and play against our great rival is massive. I know the whole team will be giving everything to finish the season with a very big three points in front of our fans.
“This year has been a real year of growth for myself and the role I have played with this young time in what has been a real challenging period for the Club.
For me as a local boy and senior player in the changeroom, I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with the culture, environment and resilience we have created and shown this season.
I have really enjoyed the role I have played in helping this bright young squad and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds because I believe there is a really strong product here in Newcastle.
“I feel like my fitness is still right up there and I know that I still have a lot to give to football in general. There are some opportunities for me looking to next year and I look forward to settling this and continuing to be part of the football community here in Newcastle.
Newcastle Jets CEO Shane Mattiske praised Hoffman’s contribution to the club.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Jason and the contribution he has made to this Club – and off the field. I know he’s someone who always sets high standards and leads in everything he does. We’re thankful for everything he has done for this Club and this football community. He has unquestionably been a fantastic ambassador for this whole region. He’ll always be a legend of this Club and we look forward to maintaining our connection into the future.”
Newcastle Jets Coach Rob Stanton said.
“Jason has been a wonderful servant for the club. He has had an incredible career as a player and I can’t thank him enough for the professionalism he has shown this season as well as the standards which he drives for the team.
He epitomises what it means to be a Newcastle Jets player and it’s fitting that we farewell him in what will be his 300th A-League men’s match.”
