The Newcastle Jets community is facing a frustrating dilemma this weekend, forced to choose between supporting the club's men's or women's team in a major scheduling conflict.
Loyalties Split in Simultaneous Fixtures
In a move that has disappointed fans and players alike, the Newcastle Jets A-League Men and A-League Women's teams will kick off crucial matches at the exact same time on Saturday evening. Both games are scheduled for 5pm on December 6, 2025, creating an impossible choice for supporters.
The women's side, enjoying their best-ever start to a season and sitting unbeaten in third place, will travel to Gosford for a heated F3 Derby against arch-rivals Central Coast Mariners. Meanwhile, the men's team, fresh off an Australia Cup pre-season victory and a confidence-boosting 2-1 win in Auckland, will host competition heavyweights Melbourne City at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium.
Club Voices Disappointment Over Draw
Jets Chief Executive Tain Drinkwater expressed the organisation's frustration, clarifying that while clubs provide preferences, the final A-Leagues draw is determined by the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).
"Unfortunately, we don't have any real control over it," Drinkwater stated. "It's really unfortunate that at a beautiful time on a Saturday afternoon that we've got our men and our women playing at the exact same time."
Strike weapon Melina Ayres, who is poised to make her 100th national league appearance in the derby, echoed the sentiment. She highlighted the missed opportunity for cross-team support, especially given the significance of both fixtures.
"It is disappointing because we want to support the boys and the boys want to support us," Ayres said. "We'd love to be able to support each other... it would be good to be a bit more aligned, have a few double-headers."
Positive News Off the Pitch
Amid the scheduling disappointment, the Jets announced several positive developments. A protracted dispute with Venues NSW over a $300,000 security bond for use of McDonald Jones Stadium has been resolved. Drinkwater confirmed a fairer, revised agreement has been reached, though the club will still pay a portion of the bond.
In further good news, the Jets have secured a three-year extension of their partnership with local business Modus Brewing. The Merewether-based brewery will remain the club's official beer partner and the designated venue for away-game watch parties until at least 2028.
"Our business values loyalty," said Modus Brewing co-owner Grant Wearin, praising the shared resilience between the brewery and the football club.
While the weekend presents a logistical headache for the Jets faithful, the club hopes for strong showings from both its teams as they pursue success on dual fronts this A-League season.
