Jets secure long-term future of academy gun starring for the first team: ‘Local fans – be excited’
Newcastle Jets have secured the long-term future of academy product and homegrown player Will Dobson, signing the 18-year-old on a fresh contract set to run until mid-2028.
Dobson signed a two-year scholarship deal with the Jets in August, 2024 after an impressive stint in the club’s academy; the central midfielder was named Newcastle’s Academy Player of the Year in 2023 and was key to the club’s promotion from Football NSW’s League Two in 2024.
The local product was thrown into the first-team squad under former head coach Rob Stanton for the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 campaign and made 12 appearances.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 4 OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
WILLO’S DECISION: A-Leagues great David Williams bids Glory farewell, eyes return to football: ‘Not sad – I’m grateful’
WEEKEND PREVIEW: What you need to know for Round 4 of the Isuzu UTE A-League
Retired CommBank Socceroo Mark Milligan then took the reins at the Jets and led the club to the 2025 Hahn Australia Cup title; Dobson featured in all of Newcastle’s Australia Cup fixtures en route to securing the club’s first piece of major silverware in 17 years.
Dobson missed Round 1 of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season through illness but was superb in his first league appearance under Milligan in Round 2, supplying a sublime assist for one of Alex Badolato’s three goals in a thumping 5-2 win over Melbourne Victory.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 4 OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
Having secured the teenager’s services for another two-and-a-half years, Milligan expressed his excitement at what’s to come for the young midfielder in Jets colours.
“We are delighted that we have been able to secure ‘Dobbo’ until (2028),” Milligan said.
“Will is a local player (who) embodies what it means to be from the region and play for his home team. He has a fantastic work ethic and has so much growth in him.
“Local fans should be excited to see him progress as a player and person over the coming years.”
Dobson added: “I’m extremely happy to have re-signed. I love the direction that the club is heading in under Mark and I’m very thankful to be given the opportunity to continue to develop and grow in this environment.
“I know what this club means to the City and region and I want to bring more joy to our loyal fans.”
Dobson and the Jets take on Brisbane Roar on Sunday, November 9 in Round 4 of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season.
BUY TICKETS TO ROUND 4 OF THE ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE!
