After enjoying their best start to an A-League Women’s (ALW) season, the Newcastle Jets are determined to maintain the rage this weekend.
But, it won’t be easy for the undefeated outfit.
Lying in wait is F3 Derby rivals and 2024/25 champions Central Coast Mariners.
The two combatants face off at Polytec Stadium on Saturday 6 December.
On this occasion, however, Newcastle enters the fray with form on the board following its recent 1-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers to sit third on the ladder.
Midfielder Emma Dundas admitted it had been a more than successful start to the campaign.
“To have the momentum is such a great feeling,” she said.
“Not that it’s taken pressure off.
“But, it is just so rewarding to be putting in the performances and actually getting the results.
“So, it’s a boost of confidence having the wins behind us.”
Despite claiming the crown in 2024/25, the Central Coast side hasn’t kept on the pace so far.
However, on the back of a third consecutive loss, the Mariners will put their all into the 5pm showdown.
Newcastle Jets and Matildas star Tash Prior. Photo: Michael Gorton Images
“From memory, they’re all pretty big players,” said defender and Matildas alumni Tash Prior.
“Obviously, Izzy [Isabel Gomez] in the midfield is a bit of a maestro, so we’ll try to contain that.
“But, I think it will be a really physical game.”
Prior said the key to Newcastle’s crusade had been their emphasis on culture.
“I think we’re connecting a bit more off the field, which is hopefully translating to on the paddock,” the 27-year-old explained.
“I believe the vibes are pretty high and we’re all just pretty set on continuing the run.
“We’re a lot tighter than last year, not that last year was terrible, but I think the group’s kind of merging a bit better this time around.”
For young gun Dundas, Saturday’s match will mean much more than a potential fourth win.
“It’s a bit of a full circle moment going back down to Gosford where I made my debut,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“A lot’s changed, there’s been a lot learned, which is obviously a good thing.
“I think going down for the derby is reminding me of where I started and how far I’ve come, as well as how far I want to go.”
The now 18-year-old debuted with the Jets in 2023 against the Mariners, which saw the Novocastrians prevail 1-0.
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