Newcastle Jets coach Mark Milligan called on the Hunter to support his outstanding young squad ahead of the F3 Derby clash on Anzac Day.

And, the region’s footballing fans did just that, with almost 21,000 people packing into McDonald Jones Stadium.

Even with the Premier’s Plate wrapped up, and a home semi-final locked in, the Socceroos great’s troops capped off an incredible 2025/26 by trouncing long-time rivals Central Coast Mariners 4-0, via goals to Will Dobson (21^st), Clayton Taylor (25^th), Eli Adams (44^th) and Kota Mizunuma (86^th).

It enabled Newcastle to end its fairytale transformation atop the table on 48 points, with 15 wins.

Bolstered by steady ownership under Maverick Sports Partners, the Jets will now play finals for the first time since finishing runners-up in the 2018 premiership and championship.

Milligan, an 80-cap Australian representative who played at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, said winning the title ranked “very high up” in his career.

“The number one goal for us was to get this club back to what I knew it was many, many years ago,” he said.

“To earn the right to have the local people of Newcastle come and support, enjoy and love watching football again – from that point of view, I’m so proud of what these players have achieved so far.

“The mentality that they’ve had from day one in terms of their work ethic and that ruthlessness and being brave, it starts again on Monday.”

Newcastle earns a week off in its hunt for an unprecedented domestic treble after winning the Australia Cup in October.

But, standing in the Jets’ way are Adelaide United, who claimed second spot, Auckland FC (3), Melbourne Victory (4), Sydney FC (5) and Melbourne City FC (6).

Milligan remains quietly confident his chargers will hold their nerve when it counts.

“Now we start to see how brave teams really are in finals,” he said.

“I know one thing for sure.

“I’ve got a very, very brave group of boys who are willing to execute what we need no matter the circumstance or the situation.

“There’s no pressure on this playing group because they execute it every single day.”

ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE MEN’S 2026 FINALS SERIES

Week 1: Elimination Finals, 2-3 May

• Auckland FC (3) v Melbourne City FC (6), 3pm AEST on Saturday 2 May at Go Media Stadium
• Melbourne Victory (4) v Sydney FC (5), 7.40pm AEST on Saturday 2 May at AAMI Park

Week 2: Semi-finals (Leg 1), 8-10 May

• Lowest placed elimination final winner v Newcastle Jets (1), Match details TBC
• Highest placed elimination final winner v Adelaide United (2), Match details TBC

Week 3: Semi-finals (Leg 2), 15-17 May

• Newcastle Jets (1) v lowest placed elimination final winner, 7.40pm AEST on Saturday 16 May at McDonald Jones Stadium
• Adelaide United (2) v highest placed elimination final winner, 7.35pm AEST on Friday 15 May at Coopers Stadium

Week 4: Grand final, 23-24 May

• Highest ranked semi-final winner v lowest ranked semi-final winner, Match details TBC

For more sports stories:

• GALLERY… Jets striker on ice but ready for ALM finals as celebrations continue
• Jets smash Mariners to cap off ALM premiership campaign
• Jets owners on track to bring long-term stability, success at club

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