The Newcastle Jets’ women may be out of play-off contention, but there is no shortage of motivation heading into the final round of the ALW season. 

Currently sitting ninth on the ladder and four points outside the top six, the side’s determined to finish on a high when it faces competition leaders Melbourne City at Maitland Sportsground on Sunday 5 April. 

But, confidence is flowing after a statement 3-1 win over fourth-placed Adelaide United Women last round, highlighted by a first A-League Women’s brace from New Zealand international Kelli Brown, who was named player of the match. 

“It’s been a while since I went out there and kind of proved what I’m able to do, so to be able to do it and get the win was pretty awesome,” she said. 

Though the timing is bittersweet. 

With the finals now out of reach, Brown admits the squad is disappointed not to be in the post-season mix. 

“We are 100% devastated as we’ve been grinding all season,” she said. 

“That’s football, though. 

“You go up and you go down, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to quite get there when it counted.

“It’s still important that we finish the season on a high.” 

Brown believes the Jets have been competitive throughout the campaign but lacked polish in crucial moments. 

“I don’t think there’s anything in particular that we’ve done wrong,” the attacker said.  

“That’s just kind of how it went for us.

“We worked hard the whole time, the desire was always there.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to convert when we really needed to. 

“However, I think we’ve still had a strong season… and definitely something to build on for the future.”

Injuries and internation call-ups have also disrupted momentum at key times. 

“We were missing the likes of Anna Leat, obviously, a machine in the goal and Cassidy Davis running the midfield as well,” Brown said.

“Among everyone else that’s had niggles come in and out. 

“Gratefully, though, we also have a lot of players representing their country, so we lose them in those scenarios as well, which is awesome for them… not so great for us as the Jets but still a great opportunity for those players. 

“It’s just a whole lot that’s kind of happened around us.” 

Brown, who has international experience herself, says seeing younger teammates earn national honours has been a highlight. 

“The girls are incredible players and it’s going to be an awesome experience,” she told the Newcastle Weekly. 

“It’s great that they’ve been able to work hard and get that reward that they 100% deserve. 

“To be able to represent their country is so awesome, and I’m super grateful to be a part of their team. 

“I think the Matildas are in good hands with them coming through, for sure.”

Now, the focus turns to Melbourne City. 

“City’s a great team,” Brown admitted. 

“We beat them in the first round, so to be able to back that up would be awesome. 

“We’re playing for ourselves as players now.

“It’s important that we stick to it and grind it out.” 

The match-up is at Maitland Sportsground from 4pm.

For more sports stories:

• Falcons’ women’s team shows early promise in NBL1 East double-header
• Rampaging Bulls throw spanner in Jets’ ALM quest
• Lantry keeps it simple: Knights’ focus on finals berth

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