Even though Newcastle has already secured the ALM Premier’s Plate, only one thing matters this weekend… beating F3 rivals Central Coast.
And, head coach Mark Milligan is hoping to do it in front of the A-League Men’s biggest crowd of the season at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Despite being guaranteed a home final in a fortnight’s time, after finishing atop the ladder, the Jets have yet to inflict a defeat on the Mariners on the Socceroos legend’s watch.
In fact, Central Coast struck an early blow, a 3-2 victory in round one, and then it ended Newcastle’s eight-match winning streak, via a 0-all draw, in February.
So, Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April, seems a great time to return the favour before the semis.
“There’s always something to play for, especially a local derby,” Milligan said.
“But, first and foremost, we want to win, we’re not taking our foot off the gas.
“Plus, it’s vital to take another good performance into the finals.
“Although the results haven’t been there the past two games, Adelaide United (1-all) and Melbourne Victory (2-all), I think we’ve played brilliantly for the most part.
“The boys’ mentality and attitude heading into those matches was fantastic.
“That’s not just the guys that started either.
“The ones who came off the bench, and the blokes who helped them prepare during the week, were excellent, too.
“So, Saturday’s game is very important.
“It’s also a chance to keep improving.
“I can never guarantee a result… but I can assure you there’s not many teams that have the mindset of this group.
“They showed that on Friday night [against Melbourne] when they fought until the end.
“The Victory adopted a different style – and we adapted accordingly.
“Now, it will be interesting to see how brave sides are in the play-offs when there is something on the line, in terms it could be your last match.
“I believe that’s where this group’s continuing to gain an edge because we’re not driven by the result.
“We’re performance-based and we’re performance-focused.
“However, the outcome will take care of itself because of their bravery, their willingness to stick to what we do.”
After setting several attendance records, particularly in 2026, Milligan feels a 20,000 turnout is certainly warranted.
To add to the atmosphere, the Premier’s Plate will be presented to the Jets’ squad, too.
“They deserve it, I hope there’s as many people as we can fit in there,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“The fans have earned it as well.
“They’ve waited a long time for this, for a group of players like this.
“It was something we set out [to do] very early.
“If you look back to just before Christmas, McDonald Jones Stadium was quiet.
“I can’t ignore that.
“But, the boys worked extremely hard over that period to change things around.
“Since then, we’ve welcomed 10,000-12,000-plus to every game.
“So, for the players, they deserve everyone to come out and watch them.
“They have an opportunity to forge a legacy for the club.
“That’s not lost on them either.”
For more sports stories:
- Jets owners on track to bring long-term stability, success at club
- Jets win historic first ALM Premier’s Plate
- Milligan shares Jets’ success with ‘brilliant’ support staff
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