A significant shift is underway at the Newcastle Jets, with local football identities celebrating what they describe as an unprecedented commitment to home-grown talent under coach Mark Milligan.
Local Coaches Rally Behind Milligan's Vision
Renowned Newcastle coaches Pete McGuinness and David Tanchevski have expressed strong support for the current Jets setup. Both agree they cannot remember a time when so many Hunter-based players were involved with the A-League squad.
This marks a dramatic change from past seasons, where out-of-town coaches were often hesitant to give local youngsters a chance at the top level. Milligan, the former Socceroos captain, has not only blooded a host of Newcastle products but has consistently shown faith in them.
"What Mark has done has been outstanding," said McGuinness, the current Edgeworth coach and former Jets youth team mentor. "He has seen enough in the players inside his environment to say these kids, given time and given exposure, are good enough."
Lambton Jaffas coach David Tanchevski was equally effusive. "This bloke is prepared to put his job on the line to give young local kids a go. It is what the Newcastle football community has been calling for. He should be recognised for that."
The Young Guns Driving the Jets' Ascent
The faith is being repaid on the pitch. Barring any last-minute issues, local midfielders Will Dobson, Xavier Bertoncello, and Max Cooper are all expected to be in the match-day squad for the crucial Friday night clash against Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium.
A victory could potentially propel the exciting Jets outfit to the top of the A-League ladder. The team's attacking flair has even earned them the nickname 'box-office Jets'.
They are not the only locals making their mark. Fellow Newcastle products Alex Nunes and Christian Bracco – before his season-ending knee injury – have been regulars off the bench. Youth team keeper Jordy Bayliss and winger Oli Cockle have also been named on team sheets, awaiting their debuts.
McGuinness believes the talent pipeline is strong, noting a promising group coming through the youth ranks. "I'm looking at that team and going, 'there is another good group underneath the current players as well.'"
A Sustainable Pathway for Hunter Talent
The impact of Milligan's approach extends beyond the immediate first-team squad. Tanchevski highlighted a crucial cultural shift, where young players now see a genuine future at the Jets.
"In the past, players would hit 17 and look to go back to the local league because they didn't think they would get signed to the Jets senior squad," Tanchevski explained. "That has changed. Those kids are now staying in the Jets program because they know they will get an opportunity."
This home-grown core largely emerged from the Jets youth team coached by Damian Zane, which famously won the 2024 NSW NPL2 competition undefeated. Milligan's own coaching apprenticeship at Adelaide United under youth-focused mentor Carl Veart appears to have influenced his philosophy.
The commitment to local football is tangible. Tanchevski noted he saw Milligan at more local games last season than any previous Jets coach. "He is taking an interest in local football, he is supporting local kids," he said.
Two-time premiership-winning Broadmeadow Magic coach Jim Cresnar believes the talent pool extends beyond the academy. He helped drive the reintroduction of the NNSW All Stars, who held the Jets scoreless in the first half of a pre-season friendly.
"The aim of the All Stars team is to expose local players and reduce the gap between the NPL and the A-League," Cresnar stated, suggesting the concept may expand to include fixtures against the Central Coast Mariners.
For local football advocates, this era represents a long-awaited change. As Tanchevski summarised: "Finally, somebody like Milligan has come along and shown faith in local players. They feel supported and are starting to step up. It is the best thing to happen to local football in nearly 20 years."
