She’s the pocket dynamo, who’s attracting plenty of attention in the A-League Women’s (ALW) competition this season.

And, Emma Dundas’ commitment and talent has been recognised by her hometown club, too.

The Newcastle Jets this week announced the gifted Lake Macquarie product, along with Zoe Karipidis, would be upgraded to a full ALW contract for the remainder of 2023/24.

In fact, after graduating from the organisation’s Academy, she’s started in eight of the side’s matches in this campaign.

So, the future certainly looks bright for the 16-year-old midfielder.

“It’s very exciting,” Dundas said.

“I sort of just rocked up to training one day and [coach] Gary van Egmond asked to see me in the meeting room.

“He sat me down and told me an opportunity had come up, as a few of our players had moved on, and there was a space open.

“Gary explained that he’d been happy with how I’d been playing and wanted to give me the chance to not only get a full contract but play more.

“To hear that from him, that I’d done really well, made me happy.

“My family was pretty stoked about it.

“Mum and dad have always supported me, so they were really proud.”

It caps a meteoric rise for Dundas, who began her journey at the Barnsley United Football Club.

“I started in the under-6s, just playing community football,” she said.

“I got into it because of my older brothers, they were there at the time… and I wanted to be like them.

“From there I went into the Emerging Jets when I was 10 and I’ve been there ever since.

“I played with them and tournaments through Northern NSW Football.

“So, this season, I definitely wasn’t expecting much.

“I was just grateful to get any time on the pitch.

“But, I made my debut in round one, which was unexpected.

“To get more starts and play more minutes, it’s really exciting.

“Plus, I’m getting more and more comfortable on the pitch each week.

“It’s a big step up from what I’m used to in NSW NPL but it’s really enjoyable.

“I’m having a lot of fun with the girls and it’s definitely helping me improve my game.

“Also, knowing that Gary’s willing to put me out there and believes in me, and that I can do the job that he’s asking, gave me a boost of confidence.

“The girls are very supportive as well.

“Obviously, it’s a big thing stepping out there, so they’re all making me feel at ease.”

One slight setback, however, was Newcastle’s wasteful 3-all draw with Canberra United at the weekend.

The Jets, after trailing 2-1 at the break, hit the front 3-2 but couldn’t put their rivals to bed, relinquishing a chance to crack the top six.

“It was a bit disappointing not getting the win,” Dundas said.

“I think we really deserved it.

“However, it was definitely a big game for us to review, learn from and improve on.

“Hopefully, we can use that to our advantage and go again this weekend.

“We know we need to start winning more consistently, bank more [competition] points and score more goals.

“It’s about having the composure to win those games.

“We’ve been ahead in a lot of matches but then a lack of concentration – for just a few minutes – comes back to bite us.”

Newcastle tackles the Brisbane Roar as part of Unite Round at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 13 January.

All ALW and ALM teams will converge on Sydney for the inaugural concept.

“I’m really excited,” Dundas said.

“It’s really cool that we get to be involved in something like that, a big footballing event.

“It is definitely going to draw a lot of eyes, and a lot of fans, so it should be good.”

The teenager will also strive to book a spot in the Australian side for the under-17 Asian Cup.

“I am eligible, so hopefully I can gain selection in that squad,” she said.

“I suppose my immediate focus was to get a full contract.

“But, now that it’s drawing closer and closer, I want to keep putting good performance on the pitch to get in that squad and represent my country again.”

Van Egmond, meanwhile, admitted he was delighted to reward the pair.

“It’s really pleasing to see that hard work pays off in the case of Emma and Zoe,” he said.

“They are two players who have come through the Academy.

“And, after making the transition from the NSW NPL to A-League this season, I’m happy to upgrade their respective deals.

“It’s a credit to the club’s Academy, too, as it shows there is a great pathway here for young boys and girls in Newcastle, with Emma and Zoe both spending time with the Junior Matildas.”

For more sports stories:

• ALM: Jets will Unite for special football round
• NRLW: Knights appoint Ben Jeffries as Griffiths’ successor
• Much-loved WRHS sporting fundraiser left on the sideline

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