When the Newcastle Jets run out in Adelaide this weekend, more than 100 supporters are expected to fill the away bay and one of the loudest voices will belong to a man who doesn’t even live in Newcastle.

Paddington local Matt Vandenberg hasn’t missed a single Jets match in five years. 

It’s a streak that has cost him time, money and even a job, but he says he wouldn’t change a thing. 

“I’m yet to miss a game in five years, home or away,” Matt said. 

“It’s probably been one of best and worst experiences of my life, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

“The team’s going really well and it’s such a strong passion of mine.”

Matt’s unlikely allegiance began when the A-League launched in the mid-2000s, with the then 11-year-old Sydneysider deciding to throw his support behind Newcastle. 

“I’ve been barracking for the Jets since season two, which would have been in 2006/07,” he said. 

“My dad would drive me up on weekends to Newcastle… and I became a Novocastrian very quickly.

“I bought property in the city and built a network of lifelong friends through the club. 

“The Jets mean basically everything for me.

“I’ve been going to games for over 15 years, so I have kind of grown within the community and got to meet so many legends there.

“I couldn’t think of a better weekend than watching the boys play.” 

This weekend’s trip to Adelaide is part of a growing away-day movement among Jets fans, with triple-figure numbers expected to travel interstate – something Matt says hasn’t happened in years. 

“In the past, I’ve been to games in Wellington or Perth where there’s been maybe one or two of us,” he said. 

“Now we’re taking more than 100 to Adelaide. 

“It’s fantastic.”

The trip has become an annual ritual for a core group of supporters, who plan their interstate travel around the fixture list.

This year, timing and the team’s improved form made South Australia the obvious choice. 

“Speaking on behalf of the group, we basically try to make an annual trip to an away game out of state,” Matt explained.

“The side’s going really well and the timing just made sense. 

“It’s right moment to get as many numbers there as possible.”

The Jets’ recent run of strong results, currently holding a five-match winning streak, has helped reignite supporter enthusiasm after some tough seasons. 

“For me, it feels like a dream,” Matt admitted. 

“In the past six months, I couldn’t be happier. 

“Every day, I wake up with a smile on my face because I know the weekend’s coming. 

“I’m so used to us not being successful, so this has been such an exciting time. 

“It feels like I’m a kid at a playground and all my mates are there.

“We’re having the time of our lives.

“To get the triple digits going to Adelaide is just crazy because we wouldn’t be getting that in past years. 

“Although, regardless of the result this weekend, we’re obviously so proud of them.”

Despite the renewed optimism, Matt believes loyalty during the lean years is what being a supporter is all about.

“I think it’s more a question of why wouldn’t I continue to support them even if they lose?” he said.

“It’s a shame because not everyone has had that mentality and that’s okay.

“For me, I’ve always kind of had that perception.

“You gotta be loyal to the teams you support… and just ride the wave.

“Trust me, I wish there were more winning years than losing years, but it is what it is.

“That’s why this season is so special.”

That loyalty runs deep for Matt, who had Newcastle captain Kosta Grozos tattooed on his leg after the club’s Australia Cup success. 

And, his unwavering commitment doesn’t stop there. 

He already has flights booked to Perth for the following game, fitting the trip around work commitments. 

“When I was growing up, I lost a job because of my passion for the club,” Matt told the Newcastle Weekly. 

“There’s been times where my bosses have said: ‘it’s between the Jets or your job’.

“I wouldn’t change anything.” 

For Matt, Newcastle’s resurgence isn’t just about the results… it’s about the community that comes with it. 

“Anytime the Jets win, whether it’s small or big, that’s my favourite win,” he said.

“I’ll be proud of them no matter what, because of what they’ve already done this season. 

“I’m having a great time and am just going to take it one game at a time.

“Although I do hope we see them in the finals.”

Ladder-leading Newcastle tackles the Reds at Coopers Stadium on Sunday 8 February, with kick-off at 5pm.

The Jets then face Perth Glory at HBF Park on Friday 13 February from 9.45pm.

For more sports stories:

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• Valley/JPC bowls over Creeks to secure third T20 title
• Newcastle Rebels squad locked in for Country Championships title defence

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