There might be a buzz around the place at the moment but, for Newcastle Jets coach Mark Milligan, it’s just “business as usual”.
The Hunter-based A-League Men’s (ALM) outfit will play its biggest showdown in recent seasons when it tackles Heidelberg United in the Hahn Australia Cup Final 2025 at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday 4 October.
Not only are the Socceroos’ legend’s troops vying for silverware, their first since 2008, they’re also trying to secure direct entry into the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two in 2026/27 and a possible $450,000 payday.
“We’re extremely excited,” Milligan said.
“It’s been a long time since the club’s been in this position.
“Honestly, if you look back, Newcastle has probably only had this opportunity twice before, in terms of winning trophies throughout the Jets’ history.
“So, for this young group to put this run together during pre-season, while taking on so much information and change and being integrated into the way that we do things, I’m extremely proud.”
Newcastle beat Adelaide United (2-1), Cooks Hill United (5-0), Macarthur (3-0) and Avondale FC (4-2) to progress to the decider.
But, the Jets’ preparation hasn’t wavered.
“Nothing changes for us,” Milligan said.
“We’re still quite young in terms of what we want to do.
“We are really at the beginning.
“First and foremost [this weekend], we know we’ve got to get our process right… and we’re continuing to grow as a team.
“If we do that, it’ll give us the best opportunity of winning the game.”
However, Milligan is fully-aware Heidelberg poses a serious threat, too.
The Victorians have eliminated Weston Bears (2-0), Western Sydney Wanderers (3-0), Wellington Phoenix (4-0) and Auckland FC (2-0) along the way.
“They’ve been fantastic,” he said.
“They have scored quite a few goals and knocked off A-League opposition.
“They’re there because they deserve to be.
“We’ll have a better look at them in the lead-up to the game, as we do with all opposition that we play.
“Coach John Anastasiadis has done a fantastic job.
“It’s there for all to see, not just in the Cup, but in the league as well.
“So, it’ll be a good challenge for us.
“It’s never easy to get to a final.
“In Australia, ultimately, we really have three cups or plates or trophies that we can win.
“So, to be a part of the first one that’s available in 2025/26 is a nice reward for what the boys have done.
“It’s something that could stay with this squad forever.
“Football is very transitional but, if you have the opportunity to play and win a trophy, it’s something that bonds that [playing] group for a lifetime.”
The match kicks off at 7.40pm.
For more sports stories:
- Jets star Aquilina hoping to kick more goals in 2025 with Cup win
- Jets’ women lock in new training hub at Glendale
- Hunter Sports Centre rolls out welcome mat for talented gymnasts
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