Unbeaten Run Interrupted as Jets Answer National Call
The Newcastle Jets' record-breaking start to the A-League Women season has hit a temporary pause. The team's scheduled home match against Brisbane Roar at No.2 Sportsground this Sunday has been officially postponed due to a significant number of player call-ups for international duty.
The fixture has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 13, after both clubs agreed to the change. This decision impacts the Jets' momentum, as they currently sit second on the league table with an impressive seven points from their first three matches.
Silver Lining in Schedule Shuffle
While the postponement disrupts the team's rhythm, head coach Stephen Hoyle is choosing to focus on the advantages. "As a football coach, whatever schedule that you get dealt then you sell the story with the schedule," Hoyle stated, demonstrating his pragmatic approach.
He views the unexpected break as a valuable opportunity for development. "We also see this as an opportunity because you don't get many times where you get two weeks to prepare and get better at what you're doing," Hoyle explained, highlighting the chance to refine tactics and improve player fitness.
Six Jets Stars on International Stage
The fixture change was necessitated by the absence of six key Newcastle players. Striker Kelli Brown and goalkeeper Anna Leat, both standout signings for the club, have joined the New Zealand squad for a two-match series against the Matildas.
Meanwhile, a quartet of young talent—Josie Allan, Claire Adams, Emma Dundas, and India Breier—have been selected for the Young Matildas squad. They are set to face Korea Republic in a two-match series in Canberra, showcasing the depth of talent within the Jets' roster.
This international recognition is a testament to the quality within the Newcastle squad, even if it presents short-term challenges for their domestic campaign.
Historic Start to the Season
The postponement comes at a crucial time, following the Jets' best-ever beginning to a national league season. Not since the competition began in 2008 have the Jets accumulated so many points or remained unbeaten in their first three games.
Their current campaign includes an opening-round 2-1 away win in Canberra, a 1-1 draw in Wellington, and a solid 1-0 victory over Western Sydney at their No.2 Sportsground home. This strong defensive form marks a dramatic improvement from last season, where they conceded a league-high 53 goals.
Building Towards Future Success
The extended break provides additional recovery time for last year's player of the year, Sophie Hoban, who has been sidelined with a leg injury. It also allows for more focused training sessions to address what Hoyle identifies as the final piece of the puzzle: converting attacking chances.
"The hardest thing in the world is to score goals," Hoyle admitted after Saturday's win. "When you're building a house, the roof and the chimney is always the last thing to go on and that's the bit now that we'll keep working really hard at."
Key to this attacking improvement is strike weapon Melina Ayres, who is approaching her 100th national league appearance. The 26-year-old has been increasingly influential with each outing, nearly scoring a spectacular bicycle kick in their last match that was only denied by an exceptional save.
"She's an incredible player," Hoyle said of Ayres. "She's the type of individual who can turn a game on its head on her own."
The Jets' next match will now be an F3 Derby against Central Coast in Gosford on December 6, giving them additional time to prepare for what promises to be a thrilling local rivalry match.
