Where there’s a sliver of hope, there’s life.

That’s the approach being adopted by the Newcastle Jets’ A-League Women’s (ALW) side with four rounds of the competition remaining.

While it’s unlikely Stephen Hoyle’s outfit will contest the play-offs in 2025/26, with the team five points outside the top six, they’re not waving the white flag just yet, according to striker Melina Ayres.

“I know there’s a bit of maths involved to get us where we want to be,” she said.

“But, funnier things have happened.

“And, we need a few results to go our way.

“I’m not giving up.

“I don’t think anyone in the squad is either; that’s our competitive nature.

“Every time I go to training or every time we play, I want to score as many goals as I can and watch others produce their best games.

“If we finish strongly, we’ll see what happens.

“And, if it doesn’t go our way, we can build on this season and lead into next year.”

Newcastle suffered a major blow in its last outing, before the Asian Cup recess, by dropping its fixture to the Perth Glory 3-2 at No. 2 Sportsground.

It left the Jets sitting in a precarious position.

Ayres pinpointed the outfit failed to take its chances… yet again.

“We have really good moments and some not-so-good,” she said.

“Even though a few of us have played together before, it’s virtually a new squad with the coaches, staff and everything.

“So, in many ways, we’re still trying to figure out how to play alongside each other.

“That takes time and, obviously, we wanted to do better this season.

“I think we can only build towards the next match.

“However, at the end of the day, it’s those little moments and little lapses in concentration, which have hurt us.

“We just need to put it all together for 90 minutes.”

Even though Ayres is still focusing on four victories, including the scalp of Sydney FC at No. 2 Sportsground on Friday 13 March, she’ll continue to lead by example on and off the paddock.

“When I returned after a year off, I realised I wasn’t the youngest in the team anymore,” she said.

“So, I’m trying to share my experiences with the others, help them with their journeys.

“But, I really care about this club and this side.

“I can see what we’re trying to build, I know what everyone can do… and that gives me plenty of optimism.

“I witness it at training every day.

“It’s about doing it in games and having the confidence to back everyone’s ability.”

Newcastle also meets the Brisbane Roar (away), Adelaide United (away) and Melbourne City (Maitland Sportsground) to wrap up 2025/26.

Meanwhile, the Jets have suffered a blow with the news skipper Cassidy Davis will miss the remainder of 2025/26 with a heel injury.

“We are disappointed to lose her towards the end of the season,” Hoyle said.

“However, this is in the best interests of making sure she can make a complete recovery. 

“Her leadership on the field will be missed.

“But, she’ll continue to be a key part of our squad as we push towards making the finals.”

For more sports stories:

• Jets’ tyro Bertoncello has one objective… score goals
• Jets CEO rallying football fans for all-important weekend
• GALLERY… Milligan’s half-time talk lifts Jets to great heights

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