Newcastle United Jets FC season 2007-08
Encyclopedia
The A-League 2007-08
season was their most successful A-League
season. They defeated 1-0 in their first Grand Final, winning the Championship and qualifying for the AFC Champions League 2009
.
During the pre-season, former Jets CEO George Liolio was replaced by Newcastle solicitor John Tsatsimas.
Defender Jade North
has been named as the captain for the season.
moved overseas to play with Gençlerbirliği in order to improve his chances of selection for the Socceroos. The Jets received a transfer fee of A$
650,000 for the talented midfielder. Paul Okon
retired due to his inability to keep up at training. Milton Rodriguez
went back to his native Colombia after he failed to come to a new agreement with the Jets, apparently asking more money than the Jets were prepared to pay. Three New Zealand players, Tim Brown, Steven Old
and Vaughan Coveny
decided to join with the new Kiwi outfit Wellington Phoenix
.
Gary van Egmond
took a trip to South America to try to find replacements for lost squad members. Argentinian attacking midfielder Livio Prieto
and Brazilian forward Flavio Barros
agreed to terms with the Jets as a result of the scouting trip but later reneged on their agreements. However the trip wasn't entirely useless with Argentinian forward Jorge Drovandi
and a Brazilian midfielder Denni Rocha dos Santos
signing for the club.
Three new Australians also joined the club. Joel Griffiths
' twin brother Adam Griffiths
was signed from English club Brentford to bolster the defence, Scott Tunbridge
from Scottish outfit Hamilton Academical
and Noel Spencer
from Sydney FC
(where he had been playing on a short-term deal after being ditched by the Mariners).
The club officially announced on 14 August 2007 that Brazilian Mário Jardel
who has won the European Golden Boot
award twice, would be joining the side as a marquee player.
Another late signing was announced before Round 4, with former Socceroo
Stephen Laybutt joining the club.
Liberia
n striker Boima Karpeh
trialled with the Jets in September 2007 but was not signed. He was expected to be signed on an injury waiver for Steve Eagleton
.
AIS
midfielder James Holland
was signed on a short term contract for Round 8 to cover for Stuart Musialik
who was away on national duty with the Olyroos
. Holland impressed on his A-League debut and scored the opening goal for the Jets against the Wellington Phoenix. He was then signed for a further 1 week before returning to the AIS.
On 22 October Gary van Egmond
revealed that Drovandi and Tunbridge had been given permission to look for new clubs, stating that they did not fit into the Jet's setup. Drovandi later agreed to terminate his contract allowing the Jets to sign James Holland for the remainder of the season. The talented midfielder also signed for the following two years.
In January 2008 the club signed promising young midfielder Ben Kantarovski
to a four year contract. The club also announced that they were in the process of obtaining a visa
for South Korea
n youth international Song Jin-Hyung
and that he would be signed on a two year contract.
In
Out
The bumpy ground at Port Macquarie
caused troubles for both teams. New signings Scott Tunbridge
, Adam Griffiths
and Noel Spencer
started for the Jets. The game was drawed nil all at half time but Jamie Harnwell
won the game for the Glory early in the second half.
The Jets managed to come back from Victoria with 3 points. Midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse
knocked home a 51st minute Joel Griffiths
free kick to give the Jets the win.
Adelaide demolished Newcastle in a game full of penalties and cards, not many of which seemed to go the Jets way. Adelaide was four up through four different players before the Jets finally scored a consolation penalty goal in the dying moments of the game despite only having 9 players on the field.
The Jets managed their second win of pre-season despite a late comeback from Sydney FC
. Argentinian Jorge Drovandi
got his first taste of Australian football, playing for 50 minutes of the game. The ever impressive Joel Griffiths
scored a brace for the Jets and Scott Tunbridge
was gifted a goal after a mix-up in the Sydney defence. Despite Sydney playing poorly for most of the game they managed to score two late goals.
A close game that resulted in another nil all draw. Both sides had plenty of chances but failed to capitalize. Joel Griffiths
put the ball into the net but was ruled offside. Jets goalkeeper Ante Čović
produced two saves during the penalty shootout to see the Jets finish the pre-season in 5th position.
A scrappy game in the Western Australia
n capital resulted in a nil all draw. South American imports Denni
and Jorge Drovandi
both made their A-League debuts. Jobe Wheelhouse
was rewarded with a start after a convincing pre-season. Gary van Egmond
was pleased to come away from Perth with a point.
A large crowd turned up to see the Jets play their first home game of the season at EnergyAustralia Stadium
. Jets playmaker Denni
made more of an impression than the previous week, showing off his fancy footwork. Queensland opened the scoring in the 70th minute through striker Reinaldo
when the Jets defence was caught off-guard. The Roar's captain McLaren
was sent off after bringing down hardworking Jets player Joel Griffiths
on the edge of the penalty box. Griffiths equalised the scoring with a classy free kick from the resulting set-piece.
The Jets were without Stuart Musialik
and Mark Bridge
who were away on national duty. Although Wellington put the Jets under a lot of pressure the Jets managed to steal a victory. Goalkeeper Ante Čović
continued his good form and again kept the Jets in the game with a number of fine saves. A free kick late in the game by Matt Thompson took a huge deflection off the foot of Jets defender Adam Griffiths
and found the back of the net. Thompson was awarded the goal despite Griffiths claiming the flick-on was intentional. The win lifted the Jets clear of the middle of the table to 2nd.
This game marked the debut of Brazilian superstar Mário Jardel
who was welcomed loudly by the home crowd when he came on as a substitute in the 71st minute. Mark Bridge
scored a superb goal, his second of the week after playing for the Olyroos
. Midfielder Denni
was pulled from the pitch in the first half after coach Gary van Egmond
felt he was losing the ball too often.
This match included some great work from the Griffiths brothers who both managed to score.
The Jets defeated Melbourne in their most convincing win of the season. It was the first time that the Jets had won after going behind. New Australian national coach Pim Verbeek was watching from the stands as numerous players such as Joel Griffiths
, Ante Čović
and Archie Thompson
tried to impress him. Carlos Hernández put the home side ahead early in the first half but Denni
scored his first A-League goal to put the Jets back on level terms. Griffiths came close to scoring a hat-trick
but had to be happy with reclaiming the position as the league's top goal scorer. James Holland
played his first game for the club after signing a permanent contract for the next two seasons.
A-League 2007-08
The A-League 2007-08 season was the third season of the Australian A-League football competition, won by the Newcastle Jets. Football Federation Australia hoped to build on the success of the previous two seasons and on the interest generated by and playing in the 2007 AFC Champions League, and...
season was their most successful A-League
A-League
The A-League is the top Australasian professional football league. Run by Australian governing body Football Federation Australia , it was founded in 2004 following the folding of the National Soccer League and staged its inaugural season in 2005–06. It is sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company...
season. They defeated 1-0 in their first Grand Final, winning the Championship and qualifying for the AFC Champions League 2009
AFC Champions League 2009
The 2009 AFC Champions League was the 28th edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation , and the 7th under the current AFC Champions League title. The final took place at National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan on November 7...
.
During the pre-season, former Jets CEO George Liolio was replaced by Newcastle solicitor John Tsatsimas.
Defender Jade North
Jade North
Jade Bronson North is an Indigenous Australian association football player. He played as a centre back or full back for the FC Tokyo in the J. League Division 2...
has been named as the captain for the season.
Changes
The Newcastle Jets lost several of their most notable players for the 2007-08 season. Nick CarleNick Carle
Nicholas Alberto "Nick" Carle is an Australian football player who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Sydney FC.- Club career :...
moved overseas to play with Gençlerbirliği in order to improve his chances of selection for the Socceroos. The Jets received a transfer fee of A$
Australian dollar
The Australian dollar is the currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, and Norfolk Island, as well as the independent Pacific Island states of Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu...
650,000 for the talented midfielder. Paul Okon
Paul Okon
Paul Okon is a former Australian football player who retired after playing with Australian side Newcastle United Jets....
retired due to his inability to keep up at training. Milton Rodriguez
Milton Rodriguez
Milton Fabián Rodríguez Suárez is a Colombian footballer.-Club career:Rodríguez began his professional career with Cortuluá in 1997. In two years at the club the left-footed striker scored 22 goals in 45 appearances. In 1999 he moved to Independiente Santa Fe and continued his goal scoring prowess...
went back to his native Colombia after he failed to come to a new agreement with the Jets, apparently asking more money than the Jets were prepared to pay. Three New Zealand players, Tim Brown, Steven Old
Steven Old
Steven David Old is a New Zealand football player who plays as a defender. He is currently a free agent after being released from Kilmarnock in May 2011.-Club career:...
and Vaughan Coveny
Vaughan Coveny
Vaughan Coveny is a former football player, who frequently represented New Zealand from 1992 onwards. Coveny's senior club career spanned 20 years, with his most notable stint being at South Melbourne during their National Soccer League era. He was primarily a striker although he also played as a...
decided to join with the new Kiwi outfit Wellington Phoenix
Wellington Phoenix FC
Wellington Phoenix Football Club is a professional association football club based in Wellington, New Zealand. The club competes in the Football Federation of Australia A-League. Ricki Herbert has been the coach since the club's inception to the A-League in July 2007. The current club captain is...
.
Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond is an Australian football manager of Dutch heritage who is currently the manager of Newcastle Jets in the A-League.-Playing career:Van Egmond began his playing career with APIA Leichhardt in 1982...
took a trip to South America to try to find replacements for lost squad members. Argentinian attacking midfielder Livio Prieto
Livio Prieto
Livio Armando Prieto is an Argentine footballer who plays for Duque de Caxias Futebol Clube in the Brazilian Série B, as a left-footed midfielder.-Football career:...
and Brazilian forward Flavio Barros
Flavio Barros
Flavio Barros Souza is a Brazilian football striker, currently playing for Moroccan club Maghreb Fez.-Club career:...
agreed to terms with the Jets as a result of the scouting trip but later reneged on their agreements. However the trip wasn't entirely useless with Argentinian forward Jorge Drovandi
Jorge Drovandi
Jorge Alberto Drovandi is an Argentine footballer who plays for Deportivo Azogues as a left sided striker. His nickname in Spanish is "El Mono" which means "The Monkey".-Biography:...
and a Brazilian midfielder Denni Rocha dos Santos
Denni Rocha dos Santos
Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:...
signing for the club.
Three new Australians also joined the club. Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League...
' twin brother Adam Griffiths
Adam Griffiths
Adam Griffiths is an Australian professional football player who currently plays for Hangzhou Greentown.-Club career:...
was signed from English club Brentford to bolster the defence, Scott Tunbridge
Scott Tunbridge
Scott Tunbridge is an Australian professional soccer player. He can play either as a striker or a right wing.- Career :...
from Scottish outfit Hamilton Academical
Hamilton Academical F.C.
Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have...
and Noel Spencer
Noel Spencer
Noel Spencer was an Australian football player.-NSL:Noel played for his hometown of Wollongong from 1996–2000 and was part of Wollongong Wolves championship-winning team of the 1999/2000 season. After the championship win Noel left for Northern Spirit which he played for and later captained until...
from Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
(where he had been playing on a short-term deal after being ditched by the Mariners).
The club officially announced on 14 August 2007 that Brazilian Mário Jardel
Mário Jardel
Mário Jardel de Almeida Ribeiro is a former Brazilian professional footballer.Jardel was most noted for his positioning on the field and "being at the right place, at the right time"...
who has won the European Golden Boot
European Golden Boot
The European Golden Shoe, formerly known as the European Golden Boot, is an association football award presented each season to the leading goalscorer in league matches from the top division of every European national league...
award twice, would be joining the side as a marquee player.
Another late signing was announced before Round 4, with former Socceroo
Australia national football (soccer) team
The Australia national association football team represents Australia in international association football competitions. Its official nickname is the "Socceroos"...
Stephen Laybutt joining the club.
Liberia
Liberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
n striker Boima Karpeh
Boima Karpeh
Boima Karpeh , aka Jerry Karpeh, is a Liberian-Australian professional football player currently playing for Persisam Putra Samarinda...
trialled with the Jets in September 2007 but was not signed. He was expected to be signed on an injury waiver for Steve Eagleton
Steve Eagleton
Stephen Eagleton is a retired Australian association football player, who most recently played for the Newcastle Jets.-Biography:...
.
AIS
Australian Institute of Sport
The Australian Institute of Sport is a sports training institution in Australia with world class facilities and support services. The Institute's headquarters is situated in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The 66.0 hectare site campus is in the northern suburb of Bruce, but some of the...
midfielder James Holland
James Holland (footballer)
James Holland is a professional football player who plays for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar and the Socceroos.-Club career:...
was signed on a short term contract for Round 8 to cover for Stuart Musialik
Stuart Musialik
Stuart Musialik is an Australian football player who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.- Club career :...
who was away on national duty with the Olyroos
Australia national under-23 football team
The Australia Olympic football team, more commonly known as the Olyroos, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia at association football in the Olympic Games...
. Holland impressed on his A-League debut and scored the opening goal for the Jets against the Wellington Phoenix. He was then signed for a further 1 week before returning to the AIS.
On 22 October Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond is an Australian football manager of Dutch heritage who is currently the manager of Newcastle Jets in the A-League.-Playing career:Van Egmond began his playing career with APIA Leichhardt in 1982...
revealed that Drovandi and Tunbridge had been given permission to look for new clubs, stating that they did not fit into the Jet's setup. Drovandi later agreed to terminate his contract allowing the Jets to sign James Holland for the remainder of the season. The talented midfielder also signed for the following two years.
In January 2008 the club signed promising young midfielder Ben Kantarovski
Ben Kantarovski
Ben Kantarovski is an Australian football player currently playing for the Newcastle Jets.-Newcastle Jets:...
to a four year contract. The club also announced that they were in the process of obtaining a visa
Visa (document)
A visa is a document showing that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was issued, subject to permission of an immigration official at the time of actual entry. The authorization may be a document, but more commonly it is a stamp endorsed in the applicant's passport...
for South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
n youth international Song Jin-Hyung
Song Jin-Hyung
Song Jin-Hyung is a South Korean football player who plays for Tours FC in French Ligue 2.-Club career:Song started his professional career at Brazilian club Internacional, before moving back to his homeland Korea to play for one of the powerhouses of Korean and Asian football FC Seoul.After a...
and that he would be signed on a two year contract.
In
| Name | Position | From (Club) | Date Joined | Debut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Noel SpencerNoel Spencer Noel Spencer was an Australian football player.-NSL:Noel played for his hometown of Wollongong from 1996–2000 and was part of Wollongong Wolves championship-winning team of the 1999/2000 season. After the championship win Noel left for Northern Spirit which he played for and later captained until... |
Midfield | Sydney FC Sydney FC Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League... |
7 May 2007 | Round 1 |
| Adam Griffiths Adam Griffiths Adam Griffiths is an Australian professional football player who currently plays for Hangzhou Greentown.-Club career:... |
Defender |  Brentford |
17 May 2007 | Round 1 |
 Jorge DrovandiJorge Drovandi Jorge Alberto Drovandi is an Argentine footballer who plays for Deportivo Azogues as a left sided striker. His nickname in Spanish is "El Mono" which means "The Monkey".-Biography:... |
Forward | Rosario Central Rosario Central Club Atlético Rosario Central is a sports club based in Rosario, Argentina. Its football team currently plays in the Primera B Nacional, the second tier of the Argentine football league system, after being relegated in the 2009-10 season.... |
2 August 2007 | Round 1 |
 DenniDenni Rocha dos Santos Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:... |
Midfield | Santo André Esporte Clube Santo André Esporte Clube Santo André, also known as Santo André, is a Brazilian football team from Santo André, São Paulo state.Santo André greatest rival is São Caetano, the other team in ABC region. The club's mascot name is Ramalhão after the bandeirante João Ramalho... |
17 August 2007 | Round 1 |
| Scott Tunbridge Scott Tunbridge Scott Tunbridge is an Australian professional soccer player. He can play either as a striker or a right wing.- Career :... |
Forward |  Hamilton AcademicalHamilton Academical F.C. Hamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Academical, or Accies, are a Scottish football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. They were established in 1874 from the school football team at Hamilton Academy. They remain the only professional club in British football to have... |
4 July 2007 | Round 11 |
| Mário Jardel Mário Jardel Mário Jardel de Almeida Ribeiro is a former Brazilian professional footballer.Jardel was most noted for his positioning on the field and "being at the right place, at the right time"... |
Forward |  AnorthosisAnorthosis Famagusta FC Αnorthosis Famagusta FC is a Cypriot football and volleyball club which is originally based in Famagusta, but is now temporarily based in Larnaca, due to the Turkish invasion. Anorthosis is one of the most successful clubs in Cypriot football, having won 13 league titles, 10 Cypriot Cups and 6... |
13 August 2007 | Round 4 |
| Ben McNamara |
Goalkeeper | Lake Macquarie City |
18 August 2007 | Uncapped |
| Jason Hoffman Jason Hoffman Jason Hoffman is an Australian football player who currently plays for Richmond SC on loan from Melbourne Heart.-Club career:Hoffman was developed through NSWIS and Hamilton Olympic Warriors FC... |
Forward | Hamilton Olympic Hamilton Olympic Warriors FC Hamilton Olympic Football Club is a football club based in Hamilton a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales. They compete in the NBN State Football League, the local league in Newcastle.- Competition Winners :... |
30 August 2007 | Round 2 |
| Stephen Laybutt |
Defender |  Gent |
30 August 2007 | Round 6 |
| James Holland James Holland (footballer) James Holland is a professional football player who plays for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar and the Socceroos.-Club career:... |
Midfield | AIS Australian Institute of Sport The Australian Institute of Sport is a sports training institution in Australia with world class facilities and support services. The Institute's headquarters is situated in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The 66.0 hectare site campus is in the northern suburb of Bruce, but some of the... |
14 October 2007 | Round 8 |
| Ben Kantarovski Ben Kantarovski Ben Kantarovski is an Australian football player currently playing for the Newcastle Jets.-Newcastle Jets:... |
Midfield | Broadmeadow Magic Broadmeadow Magic FC Broadmeadow Magic is a football club based in Broadmeadow a suburb of Newcastle, New South Wales. They currently play in the NBN State Football League in the Australian state of New South Wales.-History:... |
12 January 2008 | Uncapped |
 Song Jin-HyungSong Jin-Hyung Song Jin-Hyung is a South Korean football player who plays for Tours FC in French Ligue 2.-Club career:Song started his professional career at Brazilian club Internacional, before moving back to his homeland Korea to play for one of the powerhouses of Korean and Asian football FC Seoul.After a... |
Midfield | FC Seoul FC Seoul FC Seoul is a South Korean professional football club based in Seoul, South Korea, that plays in the K-League. It is currently owned by GS Sports, a subsidiary of GS Group.... |
18 January 2008 | Semi Final (2nd leg) |
Out
| Name | Position | To (Club) | Date Left |
|---|---|---|---|
 Milton RodriguezMilton Rodriguez Milton Fabián Rodríguez Suárez is a Colombian footballer.-Club career:Rodríguez began his professional career with Cortuluá in 1997. In two years at the club the left-footed striker scored 22 goals in 45 appearances. In 1999 he moved to Independiente Santa Fe and continued his goal scoring prowess... |
Forward | América de Cali América de Cali Corporación Deportiva América, commonly known as América de Cali or simply América is a Colombian football club based in Cali. They currently play in the Categoría Primera A, the top-flight professional league in the country.... |
Start of season |
 Tim Brown |
Midfield | Wellington Phoenix |
Start of season |
 Labinot HalitiLabinot Haliti Labinot Haliti is a football player who plays as striker for the Newcastle Jets in the A-League. He holds Albanian, Australian and Kosovar passports, making him eligible to represent Albania, Australia and the non FIFA-recognised Kosovo.-Club career:Haliti’s story begins in Kosovo’s capital,... |
Forward |  SlavenNK Slaven Belupo NK Slaven Belupo, often referred to simply as Slaven and known internationally as NK Slaven Koprivnica, is a Croatian football club based in the city of Koprivnica in the north of the country... |
Start of season |
| Tony Faria Tony Faria Antonio "Tony" Faria is an association football player. He plays left midfield and is currently unattached.... |
Midfield | Released | Start of season |
| Tolgay Özbey Tolgay Ozbey Tolgay Özbey is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Kingfisher East Bengal.-Biography:Early in his career, Özbey was recognized for his contributions as a Striker with Blacktown City Demons during which he was chosen as the NSW Premier League Player Of The Year in 2006 and won... |
Forward | Blacktown City Blacktown City Demons Blacktown City FC, formerly The Demons, are an Australian football club based in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia. The club was formed in 1953 as Toongabbie Soccer Club and changed their name to Blacktown City in 1979... |
Start of season |
| Steven Old Steven Old Steven David Old is a New Zealand football player who plays as a defender. He is currently a free agent after being released from Kilmarnock in May 2011.-Club career:... |
Defender | Wellington Phoenix |
Start of season |
| Vaughan Coveny Vaughan Coveny Vaughan Coveny is a former football player, who frequently represented New Zealand from 1992 onwards. Coveny's senior club career spanned 20 years, with his most notable stint being at South Melbourne during their National Soccer League era. He was primarily a striker although he also played as a... |
Forward | Wellington Phoenix |
Start of season |
| Nick Carle Nick Carle Nicholas Alberto "Nick" Carle is an Australian football player who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Sydney FC.- Club career :... |
Midfield |  Gençlerbirliği |
Start of season |
| Paul Okon Paul Okon Paul Okon is a former Australian football player who retired after playing with Australian side Newcastle United Jets.... |
Defender | Retired | Start of season |
| Ivan Necevski Ivan Necevski Ivan Necevski is a football goalkeeper who currently plays in the Australian A-League for Sydney FC.-Club career:... |
Goalkeeper | Sydney FC Sydney FC Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League... |
Start of season |
| Shane Webb Shane Webb Shane Webb is an Australian football player currently playing for the Bonnyrigg White Eagles in the New South Wales Premier League.He has also played for Newcastle United Jets in the A-League domestic competition.... |
Defender | Released | Start of season |
| Jorge Drovandi Jorge Drovandi Jorge Alberto Drovandi is an Argentine footballer who plays for Deportivo Azogues as a left sided striker. His nickname in Spanish is "El Mono" which means "The Monkey".-Biography:... |
Forward | Unknown | 4 December 2007 |
Players
Group A Points Table
| Team | Pts | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | BP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | |
| 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Round 1
----The bumpy ground at Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie, New South Wales
Port Macquarie is a city on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, located about north of Sydney, and south of Brisbane. The city is located on the coast, at the mouth of the Hastings River, and has an estimated population of 44,313....
caused troubles for both teams. New signings Scott Tunbridge
Scott Tunbridge
Scott Tunbridge is an Australian professional soccer player. He can play either as a striker or a right wing.- Career :...
, Adam Griffiths
Adam Griffiths
Adam Griffiths is an Australian professional football player who currently plays for Hangzhou Greentown.-Club career:...
and Noel Spencer
Noel Spencer
Noel Spencer was an Australian football player.-NSL:Noel played for his hometown of Wollongong from 1996–2000 and was part of Wollongong Wolves championship-winning team of the 1999/2000 season. After the championship win Noel left for Northern Spirit which he played for and later captained until...
started for the Jets. The game was drawed nil all at half time but Jamie Harnwell
Jamie Harnwell
Jamie Richard Harnwell is an Australian football player. He last played as a centre half for Sorrento FC.-Perth Glory:...
won the game for the Glory early in the second half.
Round 2
----The Jets managed to come back from Victoria with 3 points. Midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse
Jobe Wheelhouse
Jobe Wheelhouse is an Australian football player. He currently plays as an attacking midfielder for the Australian A-League club Newcastle United Jets.-Club career:...
knocked home a 51st minute Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League...
free kick to give the Jets the win.
Round 3
----Adelaide demolished Newcastle in a game full of penalties and cards, not many of which seemed to go the Jets way. Adelaide was four up through four different players before the Jets finally scored a consolation penalty goal in the dying moments of the game despite only having 9 players on the field.
Play-offs
----The Jets managed their second win of pre-season despite a late comeback from Sydney FC
Sydney FC
Sydney FC is a professional football club based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and competes in the country's premier football competition, the A-League...
. Argentinian Jorge Drovandi
Jorge Drovandi
Jorge Alberto Drovandi is an Argentine footballer who plays for Deportivo Azogues as a left sided striker. His nickname in Spanish is "El Mono" which means "The Monkey".-Biography:...
got his first taste of Australian football, playing for 50 minutes of the game. The ever impressive Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League...
scored a brace for the Jets and Scott Tunbridge
Scott Tunbridge
Scott Tunbridge is an Australian professional soccer player. He can play either as a striker or a right wing.- Career :...
was gifted a goal after a mix-up in the Sydney defence. Despite Sydney playing poorly for most of the game they managed to score two late goals.
Finals
----A close game that resulted in another nil all draw. Both sides had plenty of chances but failed to capitalize. Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League...
put the ball into the net but was ruled offside. Jets goalkeeper Ante Čović
Ante Covic
Ante Čović is an Australian football player. He is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League...
produced two saves during the penalty shootout to see the Jets finish the pre-season in 5th position.
Round 1
----A scrappy game in the Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
n capital resulted in a nil all draw. South American imports Denni
Denni Rocha dos Santos
Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:...
and Jorge Drovandi
Jorge Drovandi
Jorge Alberto Drovandi is an Argentine footballer who plays for Deportivo Azogues as a left sided striker. His nickname in Spanish is "El Mono" which means "The Monkey".-Biography:...
both made their A-League debuts. Jobe Wheelhouse
Jobe Wheelhouse
Jobe Wheelhouse is an Australian football player. He currently plays as an attacking midfielder for the Australian A-League club Newcastle United Jets.-Club career:...
was rewarded with a start after a convincing pre-season. Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond is an Australian football manager of Dutch heritage who is currently the manager of Newcastle Jets in the A-League.-Playing career:Van Egmond began his playing career with APIA Leichhardt in 1982...
was pleased to come away from Perth with a point.
Round 2
----A large crowd turned up to see the Jets play their first home game of the season at EnergyAustralia Stadium
EnergyAustralia Stadium
Newcastle International Sports Centre is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It is the home ground of the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle United Jets teams. It is owned by the New South Wales government and administered by the Hunter Region...
. Jets playmaker Denni
Denni Rocha dos Santos
Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:...
made more of an impression than the previous week, showing off his fancy footwork. Queensland opened the scoring in the 70th minute through striker Reinaldo
Reinaldo Elias da Costa
Reinaldo Elias da Costa , commonly known in Brazil as Reinaldo Mineiro, is a Brazilian Australian football player who currently plays for Al-Ahli Dohain the Qatar Stars League.-Club career:...
when the Jets defence was caught off-guard. The Roar's captain McLaren
Stuart McLaren
Stuart McLaren is an Australian football player who last played for in the A-League.-Biography: coach, Miron Bleiberg signed McLaren on a short-term contract in early November 2005. He was signed due to Josh McCloughlan's injury, playing as a defender as he did when he was a former player-coach...
was sent off after bringing down hardworking Jets player Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League...
on the edge of the penalty box. Griffiths equalised the scoring with a classy free kick from the resulting set-piece.
Round 3
----The Jets were without Stuart Musialik
Stuart Musialik
Stuart Musialik is an Australian football player who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.- Club career :...
and Mark Bridge
Mark Bridge
Mark Bridge is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for Australian A-League club Sydney FC.-Newcastle United Jets FC:...
who were away on national duty. Although Wellington put the Jets under a lot of pressure the Jets managed to steal a victory. Goalkeeper Ante Čović
Ante Covic
Ante Čović is an Australian football player. He is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League...
continued his good form and again kept the Jets in the game with a number of fine saves. A free kick late in the game by Matt Thompson took a huge deflection off the foot of Jets defender Adam Griffiths
Adam Griffiths
Adam Griffiths is an Australian professional football player who currently plays for Hangzhou Greentown.-Club career:...
and found the back of the net. Thompson was awarded the goal despite Griffiths claiming the flick-on was intentional. The win lifted the Jets clear of the middle of the table to 2nd.
Round 4
----This game marked the debut of Brazilian superstar Mário Jardel
Mário Jardel
Mário Jardel de Almeida Ribeiro is a former Brazilian professional footballer.Jardel was most noted for his positioning on the field and "being at the right place, at the right time"...
who was welcomed loudly by the home crowd when he came on as a substitute in the 71st minute. Mark Bridge
Mark Bridge
Mark Bridge is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for Australian A-League club Sydney FC.-Newcastle United Jets FC:...
scored a superb goal, his second of the week after playing for the Olyroos
Australia national under-23 football team
The Australia Olympic football team, more commonly known as the Olyroos, is controlled by Football Federation Australia and represents Australia at association football in the Olympic Games...
. Midfielder Denni
Denni Rocha dos Santos
Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:...
was pulled from the pitch in the first half after coach Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond
Gary van Egmond is an Australian football manager of Dutch heritage who is currently the manager of Newcastle Jets in the A-League.-Playing career:Van Egmond began his playing career with APIA Leichhardt in 1982...
felt he was losing the ball too often.
Round 5
----Round 6
----Round 7
----Round 8
----Round 9
----Round 10
----This match included some great work from the Griffiths brothers who both managed to score.
Round 11
----Round 12
----Round 13
----Round 14
----Round 15
----Round 16
----Round 17
----The Jets defeated Melbourne in their most convincing win of the season. It was the first time that the Jets had won after going behind. New Australian national coach Pim Verbeek was watching from the stands as numerous players such as Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths
Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League...
, Ante Čović
Ante Covic
Ante Čović is an Australian football player. He is a goalkeeper who currently plays for Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League...
and Archie Thompson
Archie Thompson
Archibald Gerald Thompson is a New Zealand-born Australian professional football player, currently playing for Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League, where he holds the League all time scoring record...
tried to impress him. Carlos Hernández put the home side ahead early in the first half but Denni
Denni Rocha dos Santos
Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:...
scored his first A-League goal to put the Jets back on level terms. Griffiths came close to scoring a hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
but had to be happy with reclaiming the position as the league's top goal scorer. James Holland
James Holland (footballer)
James Holland is a professional football player who plays for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar and the Socceroos.-Club career:...
played his first game for the club after signing a permanent contract for the next two seasons.
Round 18
----Round 19
----Round 20
----Round 21
----Major Semi-Final (Leg 1)
----Major Semi-Final (Leg 2)
----Preliminary final
----Grand final
----Goal scorers
Last updated 4 July 2008| Name | Pre-Season | A-League | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Griffiths Joel Griffiths Joel Griffiths is an Australian football player who currently plays for Beijing Guoan.-Club career:He played for Sydney United, Parramatta Power and Newcastle United in the now defunct National Soccer League... |
3 | 12 | 2 |
| Mark Bridge Mark Bridge Mark Bridge is an Australian football player. He currently plays as a striker for Australian A-League club Sydney FC.-Newcastle United Jets FC:... |
0 | 4 | 1 |
| Adam Griffiths Adam Griffiths Adam Griffiths is an Australian professional football player who currently plays for Hangzhou Greentown.-Club career:... |
0 | 2 | 1 |
| James Holland James Holland (footballer) James Holland is a professional football player who plays for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar and the Socceroos.-Club career:... |
0 | 3 | 0 |
| Scott Tunbridge Scott Tunbridge Scott Tunbridge is an Australian professional soccer player. He can play either as a striker or a right wing.- Career :... |
1 | 1 | 0 |
| Denni Denni Rocha dos Santos Denni Rocha dos Santos, usually known as Denni is a professional footballer currently playing for Maltese Premier League side Valletta, where he plays as a midfielder.-Club career:... |
0 | 1 | 0 |
| Matt Thompson |
0 | 1 | 1 |
| Stuart Musialik Stuart Musialik Stuart Musialik is an Australian football player who currently plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.- Club career :... |
0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jobe Wheelhouse Jobe Wheelhouse Jobe Wheelhouse is an Australian football player. He currently plays as an attacking midfielder for the Australian A-League club Newcastle United Jets.-Club career:... |
1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tarek Elrich Tarek Elrich Tarek Elrich is an Australian football player who currently plays as a right midfielder or back for A-League club Newcastle United Jets. He is the younger brother of former Socceroo midfielder Ahmad Elrich... |
0 | 0 | 1 |