Alex Nunes, Max Cooper and Will Dobson all came through the Newcastle Jets Academy at the same time. They’ve since progressed through to the first team, where they’ve helped the Club to silverware and a finals berth for the first time in eight seasons.
Dobson and Nunes attended both the semi-final and grand-final, with both of them talking fondly of the atmosphere on those nights.
“As a kid growing up in Newcastle, those are memories you never forget. The semi-final against Melbourne City was unreal, but the grand final (against Melbourne Victory) was probably the loudest I’ve ever heard McDonald Jones Stadium.”
“As a young kid, those are the sort of moments that make you dream about one day pulling on the jersey yourself.”
Said Nunes, 19.
“The atmosphere was crazy in both games, it was sold out which was awesome to experience.”
Said Dobson, 18.
The local boys got a taste of what to expect against Sydney on Saturday during round 26 against the Central Coast Mariners, as 20,930 Novocastrians piled into McDonald Jones Stadium to watch the Jets smash the Mariners 4-0 and lift the Premiers Plate.
“The experience was unreal, (being a local boy) and having that many fans out supporting the boys to lift our first premiership trophy, as well as coming on in a derby in front of 20,000 plus was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Said Cooper, 19.
“Playing in front of a huge crowd against the Mariners was amazing as it was a derby and we were lifting the Premiers Plate which made it extra special.”
Said Dobson, who is having a breakout season. The Belmont local has played 30 games across all comps this season, scoring five goals and assisting three.
“Those big-game experiences help a lot, especially learning how to handle the emotion and intensity when it comes to a packed out stadium.”
“The crowd gives you energy and confidence, and I think as a group we’ve shown we can thrive in those moments.”
Said Nunes. After being limited to just one appearance last season, Nunes has earned himself more playing time this season under Mark Milligan, playing 12 times across all competitions, scoring in the Australia Cup semi-final against Avondale, as well as assisting Ben Gibson’s goal in the final.
