The Newcastle Jets have named their squad ahead of the upcoming Westfield W-League campaign and with a couple of notable additions, will be looking for a similar end result to their first season.
The Newcastle Jets have named their squad ahead of the upcoming Westfield W-League campaign and with a couple of notable additions, will be looking for a similar end result to their first season.
Last season was one to forget and after finishing bottom of the table without a win; things can only go forwards.
After the opening Westfield W-League season where they finished second, hopes were high for the year two competition. However, after narrowly losing out to Canberra United in the play-offs, there were changes in the personnel department, leaving a very different looking squad for the upcoming challenge.
This time round though, the squad has been bolstered with several additions, most notably Westfield Matilda Thea Slatyer. Impressive signings also include Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray.
Two interesting additions also come in the form of goalkeeper Allison Lipsher (who played for top American side Boston Breakers last season) and Nicole Cross who also played in the US.
Aside from the newcomers, Newcastle have retained the services of former Westfield Matildas Amber Neilson and Hayley Crawford who have the knowledge and experience to help the team improve on last year-s campaign.
Coach Wayne O-Sullivan has again decided to put his faith in the crème of his young stars from last season, including Tara Andrews, Hannah Brewer and Carlie Ikonomou who all showed promise last time round.
Coach Sully knows only too well how a short season means a good start is important.
“There are only 10 games and our hopes and outcomes are the same as anyone else-s. If we make it to the finals, anything can happen.”
He-s sure that his squad has learned lessons from last season and has a very positive outlook ahead of this season-s opener.
“Last year was about building and establishing a full-time competitive female programme. We’ve got a lot more stability now and the introduction of experienced senior players with domestic and international experience will compliment or younger players. My top ambition would be to make the finals.”
It-s sure to be a tough season again for the Newcastle Jets but with a better mix of youth and experience this time round, they-re sure to be an improved outfit. The addition of experience from the US also adds to their push for this season.
Newcastle Jets Squad
Westfield W-League Season Three
Allison LIPSHER(Goalkeeper), Hannah BREWER(Defender), Hayley CRAWFORD(Defender), Nicole CROSS(Defender/Mid/Forward), Gema SIMON (Defender), Renee CARTWRIGHT(Midfield), Tara ANDREWS(Forward), Amber NEILSON(Midfield), Sasha McDONNELL(Forward), Leia SMITH(Forward), Kara MOWBRAY(Forward), Melissa FEUERRIEGEL(Forward), Thea SLATYER(Defender), Carlie IKONOMOU(Defender/Midfield), Alex HUYNH(Defender),
Alison LOGUE(Goalkeeper)
CONFIRMED ARRIVALS:
Sasha Mcdonnell (Fulltime NNSWIS previously Queensland), Kara Mowbury (Full Time NNSWIS previously Melbourne Victory), Melissa Feuregill (returned from college America ), Thea Sltayer (previous Canberra), Alex Hyung, Nicole Cross (LA Pride) and Allison Lipsher (Boston Breakers), Kate Hensman.
CONFIRMED DEPARTURES:
Caitlin Jarvie, Lauren Mahoney, Emma Stewart, Pele Ingles, Emma K Dewhurst, Stacey Day
