With the Newcastle Jets’ A-League Men’s (ALM) outfit in full swing, momentum is also building among the club’s women’s (ALW) ranks.
While the female competition doesn’t kick off until the weekend of 1-3 November, coach Ryan Campbell continues to focus on shoring up his 2024/25 squad.
And, even though goalkeeper Izzy Nino, Kiara Rochaix, MelindaJ Barbieri and Academy graduate Zoe Karipidis have departed, the 2023/24 semi-finalists recently re-signed captain Cass Davis, star striker Sarina Bolden, Emma Dundas, Lauren Allan, Melina Ayres, Claudia Cicco, Sophie Hoban and Natasha Prior.
Better yet, attacker Milan Hammond also put pen to paper for another two seasons.
The local product made her debut for Newcastle against F3 rivals Central Coast Mariners in 2023/24 and went on to play another 15 matches in the ALW.
She was also selected for the Young Matildas squad, which toured New Zealand, alongside team-mates Lara Gooch and Dundas.
“I’m extremely excited to sign with the Jets again for the next two seasons,” Hammond said.
“Coming through the Academy, and playing for my hometown side, is something I never take for granted.
“I’m really determined to make more of a positive impact on the team this season after my first full year in the A-League.”
Campbell admitted it was great to lock down another terrific young prospect.
“Milan’s been working really hard; and ended last season as a key member of our run into the finals,” he said.
“Since then, she’s worked with our NPL side as well as with the future Matildas program.
“So, I’m keen to see how she develops over another A-League season.
“It is a key goal of ours to lock down quality local players who can compete at the highest level.
“Milan’s another player we have been able to do this with.”
Campbell also wished the departing players the best for the future.
“In Zoe’s case, she’s opted to pursue a college opportunity in the US,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rob Stanton’s squad faces the Rockdale Ilinden Suns in the Round of 32 clash of the Australia Cup.
Newcastle tackles its rivals at the Illinden Sports Centre on Wednesday 31 July from 7.30pm.
He’s confident his troops, who enjoyed a 4-1 victory over Western United in Darwin last week, can continue their campaign on the road.
“We know we’re in for another fight,” Stanton said.
“They’ll be hungry to claim a big ALM scalp at home.”
For more sports stories:
- Multi-million-dollar upgrades to support women’s sport
- ALW: Natasha books in Prior engagement with Jets
- NRLW: Olympic gold medallist bolsters Knights’ stocks
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