The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Tate and Newcastle City Council will join with the Jets to celebrate their inaugural Hyundai A-League Premiership win on Thursday 28th February from 3.30pm in front of City Hall. And will it be a celebration! ,

The RAAF at Williamtown will do a fly over of the celebrations by three FA18’s, the victorious players and coaching staff will be introduced to the waiting crowd, the Hyundai A-League Trophy will be on display and commemorative merchandise will be available.

“This result is so fantastic for Newcastle and the Hunter, the Jets have certainly done us all proud. I encourage everyone to come to Civic Park and let the boys know how much this result means to the City,” said Lord Mayor, Councillor John Tate.

“We want to see as many school children and supporters there as possible to say thank you to the Jets for making us all so proud,” said Councillor Tate.

“It is also great to see the RAAF at Williamtown want to be involved with this celebration and we thank them for volunteering to do the flyover. The team are called the Newcastle Jets as a tribute to the RAAF base at Williamtown.”

A police directed road closure of King Street will be in effect between Darby and Auckland Streets, to ensure public safety.

Due to other commitments following the official celebration, the players will be unable to sign autographs. The team will resume training on March 5, and all sessions will be open to the public and fans are encouraged to come along and get their items signed.

Media only information and key timings:

2pm – Media permitted in to the Civic Reception in the Hunter Room at City Hall for player and official guest interviews. Entrance to this area will be via ONE door only – all other entrances in to City Hall will be closed off.

Please enter City Hall via the entrance off Wheeler Place.

Due to tight security – ALL media will need to RSVP their attendance to Eclipse Media & Events and will need to wear their FFA Media Accreditation to ensure they are permitted access into City Hall. If you do not have this accreditation, please advise us and it will be organised. Please also advise if you will require parking.

3.30pm – Official Celebration on the Steps of Newcastle City Hall

A three metre area in front of the stage has been organised for media as well as a camera and photographer’s platform in front of the Cenotaph in Civic Park (facing City Hall) Due to security issues no cameras will be permitted on the stage.

3.45pm approx -  FA18 Flyer over

Source: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets are the 2008 Hyundai A-League Champions! The Jets defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in front of over 36,000 fans at the Sydney Football Stadium today.

The opening period, and indeed the majority of the game, was dominated by the team from the Hunter, as their astute passing game troubled the Mariners no end.

Nerves were also dominant in the first 15 minutes, with neither side wanting to slip up. The first shot in anger came from Matt Thompson in the 17th minute, after Adam D’Apuzzo whipped in a delightful cross for Thompson to volley. Unfortunately his shot sailed over the bar.

2 minutes later and striker Mark Bridge nearly opened the scoring with a stinging right-footed strike on the edge of the area. Bridge played a neat one-two with Korean, Jin-Hyung Song, and hit his shot first-time from 20 yards, but that ball went agonisingly wide.

Central Coast’s first shot came through Greg Owens in the 28th minute, but his strike went harmlessly wide.

The two sides went in 0-all at halftime, as tension mounted inside the SFS. The Jets appeared to have the better of the play, but had yet to take their chance.

Socceroo striker John Aloisi then had the opportunity to make the Jets pay in the 49th minute, but pushed his open header wide of Ante Covic’s goal. Aloisi’s strike partner, Sasho Petrovski, then tried an audacious chip from 35 yards as the Mariners began to try their luck.

3 minutes later and left-wingback, D’Apuzzo had a great chance after some excellent lead-up work by Stuart Musialik and Joel Griffiths. D’Apuzzo, however, sprayed his shot wide, but the space he was afforded was a worrying sign for the Mariners.

Then came the moment that all football fans in Northern NSW had been dreaming of; Bridge scored from a cracking strike to give the Jets a deserved lead. After a slip-up at the back, Bridge pounced and went on a solo run toward goal. After cutting inside his defender, Bridge then hit a curling shot beyond his good friend, Danny Vukovic, and into the back of the net.

The Mariners then pressed hard to gain the equalizer, but in the end were frustrated by the Jets’ miserly defence. Owens hit hopeful shot that went well wide on the 68 minutes mark. And substitute, Matt Simon, pushed his shot-on-the-turn wide of the mark moments later.

As the game was winding down drama unfolded, with Vukovic being sent from the field after a melee broke out when he came forward for a corner in the dying minutes.

The Jets would go on to secure a historic win, and clinch their first piece of silverware. The trophy was no less than the travelling faithful deserved, and the Jets players and coaching staff have bathed the region in glory for some time to come. No doubt the celebrations in the Hunter will go on for some time.

The Ticketek Hunter Street Box Office will be open from 9am to 7pm (2 hours of extra trading) on Tuesday 19 February 2008 to help provide ticket sales for the Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final.

Tickets may also be purchased over the phone 02 4929 1977

Background Match Details

The Hyundai A-League 2008 Grand Final (Newcastle Jets v Central Coast Mariners) will be played at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday 24February (Gates open 3pm, kick off 5pm).

As there will also be a cricket match at the nearby SCG on the same day, traffic and parking issues may arise. Patrons are advised to take public transport or supporter coaches.

Source:  Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets are Grand Final bound after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over a mobile and difficult Queensland Roar outfit.

In front of a massive and vocal crowd at EnergyAustralia Stadium, coach Gary Van Egmond came through with his midweek promise and he and the team delivered a performance that Novocastrians can be forever proud of.

It was Queensland who had the opportunity to grab an early lead, however, as Marcinho inexplicably sprayed his 3rd minute shot high and wide from right in front after a delightful cross by winger, Michael Zullo.

6 minutes into the game and the Jets nearly took the early advantage through Matt Thompson, who had been shifted forward into the midfield this week. Thompson beat 2 defenders inside the box and when it seemed he would slot the ball away, his strike cannoned off the post and out for a goal kick.

In the 19th minute Roar midfielder Matt McKay won the ball in the Jets half, but when through 1-on-1 with Ante Covic, McKay pushed his shot well wide of the target.

32 minutes in and the Hyundai A-League’s leading goalscorer, Joel Griffiths, took his first shot in anger. Great lead up work by Adam Griffiths and Thompson gave Joel the chance to bury a left-footed strike on the edge of the box. Griffiths’ shot just missed to the right, but he had Liam Reddy scrambling.

Just before the break and the first goal did come through Thompson. Striker Mark Bridge whipped in a delightful cross for Adam Griffiths, who barely missed finishing at the near post. Reddy did all he could to fist the ball away from danger, but the ball went only as far as Thompson, who calmly half-volleyed his strike into the back of the net.

It would be the Roar who would come out the stronger in the second half as they searched for an equalizer. During the first 25 minutes of the second stanza, it was the Roar who would have numerous opportunities to level matters, but were unable to capitalize on any.

The best chances fell to Brazilian striker, Reinaldo, who, on 57 and 59 minutes, had the chance to knock home near-post crosses from Zullo. Covic saved well on both occasions to keep the Jets’ lead in tact.

The first of many dramatic moments then unfolded in the 79th minute as Troy Hearfield had a goal ruled out thanks to an earlier offside incident. What seemed to be a perfectly legal run by Joel Griffiths was deemed offside because of Jets players being in a passive offside situation. Griffiths then squared the ball to Hearfield to finish, but the linesman’s flag controversially ruled the goal out.

Perhaps the most dramatic moment of the game came in the 90th minute as referee, Peter Green, declared a Roar penalty after Simon Lynch went down in the box.

It was certainly another controversial decision, which the masses of Jets faithful didn’t approve of. Reinaldo, however, put the noise inside EnergyAustralia Stadium out of his mind as he calmly sent Covic the wrong way to tie the game up and send it to extra-time.

13 minutes inside the first period of extra-time, and substitute, Jin-Hyung Song, won the Jets a penalty after he was felled by Sasa Ognenovski. Joel Griffiths made no mistake from the spot, giving the Jets back the lead.

Scoring for the night was far from over though, and it would be the Jets who would strike next. Wing-back Tarek Elrich scored an absolute cracker after a delightful, sweeping Jets move.

Lead-up work through Song and Joel Griffiths was beautiful, the ball was then slipped to Bridge, back to Joel, and then on to Elrich who came steaming forward. Elrich then thumped his strike from the edge of the box into the top corner, giving Reddy no chance in what has to be described as a well deserved goal.

Reinaldo would peg another goal back through another penalty two minutes from time. This time Zullo was judged to have been brought down in the box, and Reinaldo again slotted the spot-kick home calmly.

That would be the last of the scoring though, and the Jets would go through, much to the delight of the vociferous home support who have helped the team on to a historic Preliminary Final victory.

The Jets will play Central Coast Mariners next Sunday in the Grand Final. Supporters buses will leave from EnergyAustralia Stadium on Sunday, and can be booked through Port Stephens Coaches. Visit www.newcastlejets.com.au on Monday 18th February for all travel and ticketing info.

Source: Newcastle Jets

This week could serve as one of the biggest occasions in the long history of football in the Hunter region. A spot in the 2008 Hyundai A-League Grand Final is on the line this Sunday as the Jets take on the Queensland Roar in the Preliminary Final.

Coincidentally, this is the same stage of the competition that saw the Jets bow out of last season’s Finals Series against Adelaide United in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. This time, however, there is one significant difference; we’re on home soil.

Being able to take advantage of playing at EnergyAustralia Stadium has as much to do with the fans, and their vocal and visual support, as it does with the players and their performance. With such a critical event on hand, it’s no wonder that emotions are running high in the Newcastle region. At this time, we take the time to chat to Timmy Verschelden, President of The Squadron.

Tim has not missed a Jets home game so far, and this season he has gone to extraordinary lengths to support the team. Along with creating banners and new chants to show his active support, Tim has travelled to Gosford, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and even Wellington, proudly wearing his Jets colours along the way.

Tim, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Tell us, what have been your highlights of the 2007/2008 Hyundai A-League Season so far?

There have been a few highlights of the season for me.

The first one would be extending the unbeaten beaten run to almost 2 years over our rivals, the Central Coast Mariners, in the regular season. It’s always great to beat your rivals, but to be unbeaten for that period of time is a great achievement.

Secondly would have to be the support. Our home games have been very solid around the 13-15 thousand mark week in, week out – which has pretty much doubled what we were getting in Season One of the Hyundai A-League.

Our Away support is going gangbusters as well. In Season One there were really only a handful of fans that would travel interstate, with little numbers against our NSW Rivals. But this season it has grown out of sight from those days. We are easily getting over 150 to games to the places like Queensland and Melbourne. Some are even making the trip to the likes of Perth and Wellington. But the highlight of our away support has to be the numbers we now take down to the Central Coast and Sydney. I can’t wait for this to continue and grow in seasons to come.

Most importantly, though, would have to be the players on the park. The boys have ground out solid results home and away and kept us in the running all season, with a few hiccups every now and again, but that’s football for you. But finishing 2nd only on goal difference is much better than the 7th place tag we were given at the start of the season.

Which players have impressed you in season 2007/08?

Joel Griffiths is the backbone of our side. I’m not saying that we are a one-man team – actually far from it – but his workrate, leadership and goals this season have done a lot for us. He now has a lot cooler head on his shoulders and is reaping the rewards from it, like being a part Socceroos Training Camps – and hopefully he’s the soon-to-be Johnny Warren Medallist.

Ante Covic has been solid as a rock. He is a real credit to have between the posts for us. He has saved us so many times this season. Simply can’t thank him enough.

Captain Jade North has done very well. He has moulded into a solid but quick defender. He has formed a solid partnership with the backline and guided our boys around the field very well this season.

Tarek Elrich has been at the club since Season One, but this season he has been training hard and working on his style of football and it has helped him a lot in becoming a regular starter for us.

James Holland is one for the future. He has come a long way this year; from his Debut against Wellington, to playing 8 games with 3 goals. He is the sort of Midfielder we need; Solid, smart and strong on the ball. I can’t wait to see him develop into a superstar while in the gold of Newcastle.

How would you describe the Squadron’s style of support?

The Squadron has come on in leaps and bounds since start of Season One. From the 6 rows we had at the start, to over one and a half bays of active support now. We get a lot of our ideas for chants and Tifo displays from clubs all over the world – mostly from Europe or South America, where football is life.

The main idea behind the Squadron’s style of support is to bring atmosphere to the game. It’s the added bonus for fans that come and watch the games. Loads of Jets fans have told me they come to listen to us because they love our passion and commitment.

A lot of work goes into organising the Squadron and I must thank the efforts that people go to, to make it work with our chants and displays.

What’s your advice to those fans who will turn up to EnergyAustralia Stadium this Sunday to support the Jets?

Get behind the team. Get vocal and become a part of the atmosphere yourself for the sake of the players, and become the 12th man for the side.

We don’t want our boys cracking under the pressure that Finals football brings. So be supportive, bring your scarves, flags, banners and all Jets gear, be positive and let’s get the boys over the line and into the club’s first Grand Final.

What is the feeling amongst ahead of the Jets sudden-death clash against the Queensland Roar this Sunday?

Well, for me, I just hope our boys can put last Sunday behind us and move on. The pressure of Finals football probably got to us, both on and off the field. This week it’s all about building up some momentum and storm into the Grand Final – and also securing an Asian Champions League spot – and hopefully the Title as Champions of ‘07/’08. We definitely believe we can do it.

Any thoughts about what the result will be this Sunday?

Anything as long as we make it through! Seriously though, Queensland won’t be a push over – no club in the A- League is. The boys are going to have to play their best football and we need to keep the likes of Kruse and Zullo quiet.

My prediction? Jets 2-1 Roar

As a fan, what would you like to see happen between now and the start of next season?

An even stronger bond between the club and the local communities that make up the Hunter Region. The club has been able to ride the wave of success from the Socceroos in past years, but it’s now about making our own waves and making that bond even stronger.

Also, I think we need to start planning and building for the future through the likes of development of youth systems and corporate support.

Likewise, what would you like to see happen for the Jets into the future?

Making prestigious tournaments like the Asian Champions League would be a huge boost for our club, both on and off the field in so many areas of operation.

The development of youth is another key area. We need to continue bringing in players from the local region like Ben Kantarovski, James Holland, Jason Hoffman and Stuart Musialik.

The ultimate would be sell-out crowds week in, week out. That would be a dream come true for me and many other Jets fans.

Source: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets were downed 3-0 by an enthusiastic Central Coast Mariners outfit tonight, and the winning margin, via a dramatic Extra-Time period, has given the Mariners the first Grand Final berth.

The Jets started the game brightly enough, as striker Joel Griffiths took the first shot on goal of the game in the third minute. His shot on the run was deflected for a corner however.

Mariners striker, Sasho Petrovski, returned fire two minutes later, after the Mariners pounced on a loose Jets pass and hit quickly on the counter – something that was to become a regular pattern throughout the game.

On the 18-minute mark, Mark Bridge won the ball in the Mariners’ half and played in Griffiths once more. Griffiths’ shot seemed goalbound, but goalkeeper Danny Vukovic did well to save.

Six minutes later and John Aloisi scuffed a great chance after a Petrovski cross found him at the back post.

37 minutes in and the first goal of the game came through a wicked deflection. Adam Kwasnik cut inside from the left and as he struck the ball, the ball squeezed up and out from a defender’s challenge. Goalkeeper Ante Covic was left stranded as the ball looped over his head and into the back of the net.

Petrovski had a chance to add to the lead just before the break, but put his strike from a narrow angle into the side netting.

Three minutes into the second half and midfielder Noel Spencer almost leveled matters, and put the Jets into a commanding position. After a Jets corner, Spencer picked up a loose ball and launched a 25-yard drive barely wide of the right post.

The Mariners continued to hit the Jets quickly on the break, and Andre Gumprecht and Petrovski were able to take clear strikes at goal in the 64th and 68th minute respectively. Both put their shots wide, but it was a sign of things to come.

73 minutes into the game and Petrovski leveled the tie at 2-2. Gumprecht again drifted in from the right and his scuffed strike fell kindly to Petrovski who finished from 5 yards out.

The Jets weren’t done yet, however, as Matt Thompson hit a quality strike from outside the box in the 81st minute. Vukovic fumbled the shot, but did well to gather the ball at the second time of asking.

In injury time the Jets nearly stole the tie through new recruit, Jin-Hyung Song. Tarek Elrich knocked in a superb cross for Song, who’s free header lacked the power to trouble Vukovic.

To extra time it went with the tie level, and only 5 minutes into the first period Petrovski netted what would be the winner. He cut inside well from the left and created plenty of space for himself inside the penalty area to unleash a strike into the top corner, giving Covic no chance.

The Jets then had the best chance of the second period through substitute Troy Hearfield. After moving beyond the last line of defence, Hearfield controlled a through-ball superbly before getting his shot away. His chipped effort seemed goalbound but for the face of Vukovic, who came out well, but knew little about the strike.

The Jets will now play the Queensland Roar in the Preliminary Final for the second spot in the Grand Final. Tickets for next weekend’s game will be on sale through ProTicket.

Source: Newcastle Jets

A place in the Grand Final awaits the winner of the Newcastle Jets Vs Central Coast Mariners Major Semi-Final tie. The second leg of which will be played at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday 10th February.

The Jets’ legion of travelling supporters has been brilliant throughout the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League campaign, and this will be the case once again during the Finals. A huge contingent of Newcastle supporters are expected to converge on Gosford for the second leg, and The Squadron have again organised a bus service for those fans wanting to travel down to the game.

Bus details as follows:

Newcastle Jets Vs Central Coast Mariners
10th February 2008
Kick-off 6pm
Bluetongue Stadium Gosford

Bus departs from United Sports Club – 3:30pm
Arrives Bluetongue Stadium – 4:30pm
Returns immediately after the game to United Sports Club, Bryant Street, Adamstown.
Cost – $25 Adults, $20 Kids.

To book call Port Stephens Coaches on (02) 4982 2940. Credit card facilities are available.

CitiRail will also be putting on an extra 8-carriage train, which will run as a special service for Jets fans from Newcastle station to Gosford. The details for this extra train are as follows:

Picking up passengers:

Newcastle Station – 3:40pm
Hamilton
Broadmeadow
Cardiff
Fassifern
Morisset
Arrives Gosford 5:00pm

The train will return immediately following the game.

Source: Newcastle Jets

A place in the Grand Final awaits the winner of the Newcastle Jets Vs Central Coast Mariners Major Semi-Final tie. The second leg of which will be played at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday 10th February.

The Jets’ legion of travelling supporters has been brilliant throughout the 2007/08 Hyundai A-League campaign, and this will be the case once again during the Finals. A huge contingent of Newcastle supporters are expected to converge on Gosford for the second leg, and The Squadron have again organised a bus service for those fans wanting to travel down to the game.

Bus details as follows:

Newcastle Jets Vs Central Coast Mariners
10th February 2008
Kick-off 6pm
Bluetongue Stadium Gosford

Bus departs from United Sports Club – 3:30pm
Arrives Bluetongue Stadium – 4:30pm
Returns immediately after the game to United Sports Club, Bryant Street, Adamstown.
Cost – $25 Adults, $20 Kids.

To book call Port Stephens Coaches on (02) 4982 2940. Credit card facilities are available.

CitiRail will also be putting on an extra 8-carriage train, which will run as a special service for Jets fans from Newcastle station to Gosford. The details for this extra train are as follows:

Picking up passengers:

Newcastle Station – 3:40pm
Hamilton
Broadmeadow
Cardiff
Fassifern
Morisset
Arrives Gosford 5:00pm

The train will return immediately following the game.

Source: Newcastle Jets

The Newcastle Jets have taken the first steps to entering the 2008 Grand Final, after defeating the Central Coast Mariners inside a sweltering EnergyAustralia Stadium, which was filled to capacity with passionate supporters.

Both teams set out their stall cautiously, opting for balance in their sides as they began their two-legged tie. A Joel Griffiths free-kick from 20 yards would prove to be the best strike of the opening 10 minutes, as his goalbound effort forced a good save from Danny Vukovic in the Mariners’ goal.

Moments later and it was the turn of the Mariners top striker, John Aloisi, to take aim. But just as it seemed the Socceroo striker’s back-post header was going in beyond Ante Covic, Jets’ Captain, Jade North, made a fine goal line clearance over the bar to deny Aloisi a crucial away goal.

The breakthrough for the Jets would come in the 21st minute after a brilliant diving header from Adam Griffiths had the beating of a helpless Vukovic. Matt Thompson picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and probed for an opening. Thompson then slipped a nice ball to boom midfielder, James Holland, in acres of space. Holland had plenty of time to deliver his pinpoint cross to meet the head of Griffiths, and give the Jets a deserved lead.

There was drama on 25 minutes, as a penalty for foul on Sasho Petrovski inside the area was awarded by referee Matthew Breeze. However, Aloisi sent the ensuing penalty well wide of the goal, sending the home fans into raptures as the Jets maintained their lead.

Mark Bridge then had a chance to add insult to injury, with a good chance to score as the second half began to close. Bridge cut inside his man – something he did particularly well against Mariners’ defender Nigel Boogaard – and gave himself a clear view of goal. His strike from 20 yards, however, failed to really trouble Vukovic, who again held well.

Just as the fans were looking for shade for the halftime break, more drama unfolded. The Mariners had a goal disallowed, with Aloisi being deemed offside before putting the ball in the back of the net.

The Mariners came out after the break with a positive attitude as they looked to break down the Jets’ defence. Adam Kwasnik tried his luck from distance, but his effort sailed harmlessly over Covic’s bar.

On 62 minutes, Joel Griffiths was in the thick of the action again, this time forcing another fine save from Vukovic after playing a neat through ball from James Holland. The angle was tight, but Vukovic had positioned himself well.

The Jets sealed an emphatic victory in the 84th minute after Holland and Joel Griffiths played a superb one-two on the edge of the area. Just as Holland looked to pull the trigger, he was brought down from behind inside the box, and Breeze again awarded a spot-kick. Griffiths stepped up to convert the penalty and made no mistake, slotting his shot away in the top corner.

The Jets will head to Gosford for the game on Sunday February 10th with a 2-0 aggregate advantage, and a huge contingent of travelling fans from the Hunter to spur them on. A win, draw, or even a loss by 1 goal would see the Jets become the first team into this season’s Grand Final.

Coach Gary Van Egmond was today full of praise for the seven Jets’ players, and believes it is an honour for them to have been named in the squad.

“For me it’s a real positive. I think it’s fantastic to have such a large representation” van Egmond said.

“For what they’ve done, in recognition of the season that they’ve had, gives them extra incentive – if they ever needed that coming into Finals football – to perform.”

“I think we’ve shown in the last three weeks when Socceroo talk was about, and players were starting to go in for a couple of days per week, the response that our team has actually had in these last three in games in winning them” he said.

Hyundai A-League squad members:
Adelaide United – Bruce Djite, Travis Dodd
Central Coast Mariners – John Aloisi, Tom Pondeljak, Danny Vukovic
Melbourne Victory – Kevin Muscat, Archie Thompson, Rodrigo Vargas
Newcastle Jets – Mark Bridge, Ante Covic, Adam Griffiths, Joel Griffiths, James Holland, Stuart Musialik, Jade North
Perth Glory – Simon Colosimo, Nikolai Topor-Stanley
Queensland Roar – Craig Moore
Sydney FC – Alex Brosque, Mark Milligan

Overseas Players: Michael Beauchamp (Nurnberg, Germany), Mark Bresciano (Palermo, Italy), Jacob Burns (Wisla Krakow, Poland), , Tim Cahill (Everton, England), Nick Carle (Bristol City, England), Jason Culina (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Brett Emerton (Blackburn Rovers, England), Vince Grella (Torino, Italy), Brett Holman (NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands), Josh Kennedy (Karlsruhe, Germany), Harry Kewell (Liverpool, England), Scott McDonald (Celtic, Scotland), Lucas Neill (West Ham United, England), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, England), Michael Thwaite (Wisla Krakow, Poland), James Troisi (Newcastle United, England), Carl Valeri (Grosseto, Italy), Luke Wilkshire (FC Twente, Netherlands)

Qantas Socceroos Vs Qatar
Wednesday 6th February 2008
Kick-off 7:30pm
Tesltra Dome, Melbourne