2025/2026 Newcastle Jets Men's Squad

[Jeterpool]

26 players signed for season
- 16 A-League squad players from possible 23
- # = 2 Visa spot from possible 5
- ^ = 9 Scholarships from possible 9
- 0 Player loaned out
- * contract length has not been disclosed and it is believed this is the deal length

Expiring 25/26
08 Lachlan Bayliss
09 Lachlan Rose
11 Ben Gibson
13 Clayton Taylor
15 Aleks Susnjar
17 Kosta Grozos
18 Kota Mizunuma
21 Noah James
22 Joel Bertolissio
24 Alex Nunes ^
25 Oscar Fryer ^
28 Will Dobson ^
33 Mark Natta
39 Thomas Aquilina
41 Lucas Scicluna ^
42 Max Cooper ^
43 Xavier Bertoncello ^
44 Ben van Dorssen ^
xx Richard Nkomo ^
xx Alex Nassiep ^

Expiring 26/27
07 Eli Adams
23 Daniel Wilmering
19 Alex Badolato
14 Max Burgess
05 Joe Shaunghnessy
01 James Delianov

Scholarships & Youth
24 Alex Nunes - 25/26 ^ youth (excluded)
44 Ben van Dorssen ^ - 25/26 youth (excluded)
28 Will Dobson - 25/26 ^
25 Oscar Fryer ^ - 25/26
60 Garang Arou - youth (excluded)
45 Christian Bracco ^ 25/26
42 Max Cooper ^ - 25/26
43 Xavier Bertoncello ^ - 25/26
46 Ethan Debono - youth (excluded)
41 Lucas Scicluna ^ - 25/26
xx Richard Nkomo ^ - 25/26
xx Alex Nassiep ^


Squad Depth (Primary position)
GK - 3 (James, Delianov, Nassiep)
RB - 2 (Aquilina, Bracco)
CB - 5 (Susnjar, Shaughnessy, Natta, Cooper, van Dorssen, Arou)
LB - 2 (Wilmering, Nkomo)
CM - 5 (Grozos, Nunes, Bayliss, Scicluna, Bertolissio)
CAM - 3 (Burgess, Adams, Badolato)
RW - 2 (Mizunuma, Dobson)
LW - 2 (Taylor, Fryer, Bertoncello)
ST - 2 (Rose, Gibson)

Rumoured Incoming Players
None

Rumoured Outgoing Players
Clayton Taylor - reported in Newcastle Herald to be seeking release (https://www.newcastlefootball.net/forum/showthread.php?3368-2024-2025-Newcastle-Jets-mens-squad&p=280906&viewfull=1#post280906)

[Jeterpool]

Here is the A-League Men's Transfer Centre.

https://aleagues.com.au/news/25-26-a-league-transfers-transfer-news-signings-ins-outs-every-club-details-rumours-latest-done-deals/

Players departing and resigning are captured here.

[The Postman]

Just looking at appearances - We really have cleared out all the depth.

But good to see most of our full-time starters retained for a change - Only Timmins (28) and Scott (22) officially gone.

If Wilmerering (29) and Kota (12) come back, that's a lot of experience still in the squad.

Leaves about 9 spots open - enough for Milligan to sign some of his guys. Just hope we don't start hearing whispers of "not my team, this is Rob's team etc etc'

Returning
04 Phillip Cancar - 20
07 Eli Adams - 27
09 Lachlan Rose - 18
13 Clayton Taylor - 29
15 Aleks Susnjar - 19
17 Kosta Grozos - 27
21 Noah James - 7
22 Ben Gibson - 22
25 Oscar Fryer - Injured
33 Mark Natta - 25
37 Lachlan Bayliss - 27
39 Thomas Aquilina - 29

Left
01 Ryan Scott - 22
06 Matthew Scarcella - 16
10 Wellissol - 15
11 Jacob Dowse - Injured
14 Dane Ingham - 16
19 Callum Timmins - 28
20 Charles M'Mombwa - 13
27 Nathan Grimaldi - 4
29 Justin Vidic - 10
66 Zac Bowling - Youth

[mic22]

Definitely not a rebuild, only lost Timmins and (maybe) Scott from the starting 11.
Sorry to see M'Mombwa go, I think he was a great addition to the squad depth.

Great chance to strengthen the team.

[Jeterpool]

We're also yet to see who is retained or released from pretty much all the other clubs at this stage too. Of those announced, the 2 at Adelaide are retiring, Sydney have a few to look at (only Kucharski interests me), nobody from Perth interests me and the two Nix guys announced are going to Perth.

It will all take off shortly.

[Mark325]

Kiwi heads list of Jets departures, doubt remains over young gun's future
By James Gardiner
May 21 2025 - 9:00am

NEW Zealand international Dane Ingham is among nine players officially released by the Newcastle Jets but the future of wantaway attacker Clayton Taylor appears uncertain.

Taylor has made a second request for a release from the final year of his contract.

The 21-year-old has progressed from a youth team player at Sydney FC to become one of stars of the A-League in two years at the Jets.

He netted seven goals to go with six assists last season.

However, Taylor and his agent Tony Rallis believe another club would be best for his development after the exit of coach Rob Stanton.

The Jets have been approached for comment.

There was interest from overseas clubs in Taylor during the January transfer window.

The Jets rejected a request for a realease last month.

New coach Mark Milligan met with Taylor, who had minor groin surgery two weeks ago, and told the Newcastle Herald that the rising star was part of his plans for 2025-26.

"I have spoken to the players under contract and given them a crash course on what it will look like moving forward," Milligan said on May 12. "In Clayton's case, he had sugery, nothing serious just something he had been dealing with for a while. He needs to make sure he is in the best shape come preseason."

The Jets confirmed on Tuesday that Ingham, vice captain Ryan Scott, Matt Scarcella, Justin Vidic, Brazilian Wellissol, Callum Timmins, Jacob Dowse, Charles M'Mombwa and Zac Bowling will not be at the club next season.

Left back Daniel Wilmering is expected to sign a new deal, leaving potentially nine places on the roster to fill.

There is speculation that Milligan is chasing a defender from overseas to tighten the defence.

Ingham, has been linked to a move to Asia, while Timmins is expected to return home to Perth and sign with the Glory.

Jacob Dowse, who hasn't played in two years due to a chronic knee injury, is likely to retire.



not a tonne of new info here regarding other players, but the clayton taylor stuff is interesting. The change from CB as prevously reported to defender is also interesting to me, would hope this means less so a CB and potentially something like a LB, shifting Wilmering to a solid bench option

[Jeterpool]

We've had interest from overseas in Taylor and he wants to be released to improve his development. One alternative view is this relates to stopping the Jets getting a transfer fee for a player who shares the same management as the coach who has not been resigned.

I hope the Jets hold firm and either play the player or sell him for a fee. Our business model is reliant on it.

[Jetmaster]

However, Tony Rallis believes another club would be best for his own ego and wallet after the exit of his good friend and ex coach Rob Stanton.


Fixed.

[Hunter403]

Tony Rallis...a stain on football

[Bremsstrahlung]

Absolutely. Why would we release him? Transfer fee or he stays.

Not like we aren’t playing him. He has a contract.

It sounds like we are actually making decisions this post season that benefit the club. Instead of forced decisions.

[Mark325]

'Under-resourced': Why young gun wants out of Newcastle Jets
By James Gardiner

CLAYTON Taylor wants out of the Newcastle Jets due to concerns over resourcing of the club's medical and high-performance departments.

But new Jets chief executive Tain Drinkwater said neither Taylor nor his representative had raised any issues with her about the infrastructure at the club.

Taylor's management this week made a second request for a release from the final year of the gun attacker's contract.

The 21-year-old had surgery on his adductor earlier this month and his manager, Tony Rallis, said it was not in his client's best interest to stay at the club.

"You can't have a young man being restricted in his playing action due to an under-resourced club and expect him to be happy," Rallis said.

"There is not enough medical resources and quality sport science to adequately service the players.

"Clayton scored 14 goals and had 10 assists in his first two years as a professional, while injured.

"I'm not criticising the medical staff. The staff that was there was stretched. They are under-resourced to deal with recovery and prevention of injury."

New Jets coach Mark Milligan met with all contracted players, including Taylor, a fortnight ago.

Drinkwater said Taylor had not expressed any concerns at that meeting nor had she been contacted by Rallis.

"I'm disappointed to be honest that it hasn't been raised before if it was a concern," she said.

The Jets board are set to meet in the next week to discuss Taylor's latest request for an exit. Any deal would require some form of compensation.

Drinkwater said player welfare was a priority at the Jets.

"I will make sure, as will Mark, that we have the right high-performance environment for our players," she said.

"A review of the medical department has been completed and we are going to make some changes.

"It's essential that we have best practice in place for our players.

"We can't cost cut in that area. We have to make sure whatever we are spending in that space is delivering the high-performance standard that we need.

"If we need to make some tweaks and allocate more money, we will find that money."

Rallis manages six other players at the Jets, including Oscar Fryer, who is close to returning after reconstructive surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Previous coach Rob Stanton had requested an increase in medical staff and other infrastructure before he parted ways with the club.

Rallis confirmed that former Jets defender Dane Ingham had secured a one-year deal with Malaysian club Sabah.

Ingham, who spent four seasons in Newcastle, was among nine players released by the Jets on Tuesday.

Left back Daniel Wilmering is expected to sign a new deal, leaving potentially nine places on the roster to fill.

Former Sydney midfielder Max Burgess has been linked to a move to Newcastle and Milligan is believed to be chasing an overseas defender.



Above all what I take from this is that the club desperately needs to address this issue with back room medical staff. It’s extra money spent, but it’s the kind of money you need to spend and will have significant effects, think of how injury prone some players have been for us, only for them to leave and be fine

[Jeterpool]

The Herald are bring used to air dirty laundry and ramp up pressure. All the noise is coming from the player's side. I'm glad the club have said something instead of "no comment".

I don't have the information to understand whether our medical staff numbers are adequate or not. But if I think back to injuries we sustained:

Mizunuma missed a few as he rebuilt condition,
Ingham missed a large stretch due to a pec injury sustained in a fall in the match
Susnjar had a soft tissue injury to either calf or ankle if I recall. That saw the move to
Dowse has been injured for two years - at what point is it medical staff v player susceptability?
Cancar missed the odd match.


Have I missed any?

We used 24 players, one more than the previous season. Four player (Bracco (2) , Vidic (8), Arou (1), James (7)) made less than 10 appearances.

On the surface, we haven't had a massive injury-ravaged season so is there merit in the argument? Of course everyone always wants more, and I don't know how large their workload is, but the team we have managed the squad's workload well this season to avoid major soft-tissue injuries and ongoing player niggles.

[Mark325]

The Herald are bring used to air dirty laundry and ramp up pressure. All the noise is coming from the player's side. I'm glad the club have said something instead of "no comment".

I don't have the information to understand whether our medical staff numbers are adequate or not. But if I think back to injuries we sustained:

Mizunuma missed a few as he rebuilt condition,
Ingham missed a large stretch due to a pec injury sustained in a fall in the match
Susnjar had a soft tissue injury to either calf or ankle if I recall. That saw the move to
Dowse has been injured for two years - at what point is it medical staff v player susceptability?
Cancar missed the odd match.


Have I missed any?

We used 24 players, one more than the previous season. Four player (Bracco (2) , Vidic (8), Arou (1), James (7)) made less than 10 appearances.

On the surface, we haven't had a massive injury-ravaged season so is there merit in the argument? Of course everyone always wants more, and I don't know how large their workload is, but the team we have managed the squad's workload well this season to avoid major soft-tissue injuries and ongoing player niggles.

Adams and Rose also missed portions of the season with injury. Was Grozos injured at a point? I vaguely remember him missing a couple of games but I can't remember if that was this season or last. And even though it didn't seem to be a big deal, this minor injury to Taylor seems to be a big sticking point for them.

But, as you said JP, to a point injuries are unavoidable. Someones always gonna step wrong on a turn, or a clumsy tackle does something.

[Macca]

Probably truth on both sides.
Likely our medical team is under resourced when you consider that much of the club either is or has been under resourced for a fair while now.
I would speculate that Taylor and/or agent wants him to move elsewhere, and this is not the reason but is being used as a public justification, and since there is an element of truth it can't be outright refuted.

Is it an issue worth leaving the club over however?
Or is it just that the player agent didn't get what he wanted in other negotiations with the club and is using it to justify wanting to move on Taylor (or at least threaten to) since that's seen as a much more legitimate reason than "I can't control all the clubs decisions anymore".
From Taylor's side he may either have loyalty to Stanton, or just thinks he can do better elsewhere.

[Jeterpool]

The A-League show/podcast with Rugari and Tom Oar named Macarthur as the club Taylor was being linked to. They have Marin Jakolis on the left side...is Taylor getting in ahead of him? I'm unsure if Jakolis is off contract or not.

[Jeterpool]

Adams and Rose also missed portions of the season with injury. Was Grozos injured at a point? I vaguely remember him missing a couple of games but I can't remember if that was this season or last. And even though it didn't seem to be a big deal, this minor injury to Taylor seems to be a big sticking point for them.

But, as you said JP, to a point injuries are unavoidable. Someones always gonna step wrong on a turn, or a clumsy tackle does something.

Rose - absolutely was an oversight on my behalf. Thank you! Adams however played 24 of 26 A-League matches so not a significant period due to injury missed.

[My2BobsWorth]

Stanton comes up from Sydney and says we are under resourced. No shit Sherlock, we've been under resourced for as long as I can remember, bar the Tinkler era of course. These two grubs, Taylor and his manager using it as a reason to leave just says a lot about both of them

[anfield]

Very poor form that the agent has played it all out in the media to force a move. If he says the club is not up to scratch and under resourced in the medical department, what does this mean for all his other players at the Jets?

[Alton]

Yengi has been released from Portsmouth

[mge61]

No talk of being under resourced last season in his first when we gave him the opportunity to make a name for himself.

[Addios]

Any young player of promise continues to leave club hoar to greener pastures. Same old.

[anfield]

Reported Eli Adams targeted by Austria Vienna and MK Dons. English 4th division would be a step backwards in my opinion.

[Jeterpool]

Reported Eli Adams targeted by Austria Vienna and MK Dons. English 4th division would be a step backwards in my opinion.

Where is that report, Anfield? Austria Vienna would be interesting and I agree about MK Dons.

[anfield]

Where is that report, Anfield? Austria Vienna would be interesting and I agree about MK Dons.
www.news.com.au
In the football section , it was at the bottom of a story on Noah Botic

[Mark325]

Not sure those are the right moves for Adams at this point in his career, think he needs at least another season of experience at this level under his belt before he should be looking internationally

[Jeterpool]

www.news.com.au
In the football section , it was at the bottom of a story on Noah Botic

Cheers mate.

[anfield]

Not sure those are the right moves for Adams at this point in his career, think he needs at least another season of experience at this level under his belt before he should be looking internationally

100% agree, 1 more year for sure.
MK Dons would be a backwards move. Jed Drew might have cost himself a Socceroos spot in these world cup qualifiers by going to Austrian Bundesliga. He was a fringe player in a team that finished just below mid table. Drew is a better player then Adams at the moment.

[Buddha]

I wouldn't say its a backwards move at all. For both Jed Drew & Eli Adams

Putting yourself in a bigger shop window with more eyeballs on you & playing a heap more games at a very competitive level.

[My2BobsWorth]

Except you end up being a squadie with no game time, and going backwards

[Jetmaster]

Come on you fools, its not about improving your career anymore. It's about you and your agent making as much dosh as possible before you turn 30. And going "OS" means a one or two game Socceroos callup for some to put on their resume.

[anfield]

Steve Ugarkovic is now a free agent after his contract expired at City? Replacement for Timmins back at the Jets?

[Mark325]

Steve Ugarkovic is now a free agent after his contract expired at City? Replacement for Timmins back at the Jets?

Rumour is he’s going to WSW

[The Postman]

I am waiting with anticipation for exactly who we are going to sign, has there been an off-season where they have had to sign literally one of every position on the field.

If they had to play today, you could throw this starting 11 together - with Fryer and the kids on the bench.

GK James
RB Aquilina
CB Natta
CB Susnjar
LB Cancar
RM Bayliss
CM Grozos
CM Adams
LM Taylor
ST Rose
ST Gibson

Really curious how Milligan and co are going to do it!

[Mark325]

Does seem odd that by all account Mizunuma is happpy to stay and this has been said in interviews by Milligan, but there’s been nothing officially announced yet. Would be a real shame to lose him

[The Hacker]

Steve Ugarkovic is now a free agent after his contract expired at City? Replacement for Timmins back at the Jets?

Get him back

[evolution]

King Kota officially signed on for the 25/26 season.

Sauce = "member first" email.

[baldrick]

King Kota officially signed on for the 25/26 season.

Sauce = "member first" email.

This is good news

[plague]

It was a lovely video message from Kota and I noticed he was currently in Japan.

Any chance he can round up a few mates for the flight back and bring em in for a kick next season?


Preferably around 16 new mates would be grand.

Cheers Kota.

[Jeterpool]

Daniel Wilmering has signed a new 2-year deal with the club.

[ForeverRed]

We haven?t much from Milligan, has he named his staff yet,

[Mark325]

Joe Shaughnessy is looking like the foreign CB we will be signing

[Jeterpool]

Having played in every minute of Dundee's impressive season in which they had achieved top six, Shaughnessy would suffer a "significant" knee injury early into a league draw at home to Rangers in mid-April 2024, which was confirmed a few days later to have ended his season following confirmation that the injury was a ruptured ACL.[42][43][44]

As his injury was significant enough to rule him out for at least half of the following season, Shaughnessy began working more with the coaching staff.[45] After making his return to the pitch in a reserve league match away to Kilmarnock, Shaughnessy returned to Dundee's named squad on 5 February 2025, as an unused substitute in the league away to Celtic.[46][47] Three days later, Shaughnessy made his first competitive appearance for Dundee since April 2024 as a substitute in a Scottish Cup fifth round victory over Airdrieonians.[48] On 7 March, a now regularly-starting Shaughnessy scored his first goal back from injury in a Scottish Cup match away to Heart of Midlothian.[49] On 17 June 2025, Dundee announced that Shaughnessy had departed the club.[50]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Shaughnessy

[Jeterpool]

https://au.news.yahoo.com/socceroo-attracts-interest-hungary-063319966.html?

It's a few days old but links in here to a "player swap of sorts with the Wanderers for Alex Badolato", with some quotes from Milligan.

Update on Burgess too, which is no comment.

[Mark325]

https://au.news.yahoo.com/socceroo-attracts-interest-hungary-063319966.html?

It's a few days old but links in here to a "player swap of sorts with the Wanderers for Alex Badolato", with some quotes from Milligan.

Update on Burgess too, which is no comment.

Shaughnessy seems to be quite good, 32 so not ancient but old enough to have a lot of experience, and still seems to be performing at a high level. Also has a fair few goals for a CB, so I’d assume he’s a threat at corners which partners well with Kota

The player swap confuses me. He’s an attacking mid, but I can’t see a world where he’s anything more then a bench player, meanwhile we’re moving someone on and right now I can’t see who that would be that makes a tonne of sense. Maybe we’re signing this new CB because we’re swapping with Natta or Cancar, or potentially swapping out Grozos or Bayliss?

[Bon]

The player swap confuses me. He’s an attacking mid, but I can’t see a world where he’s anything more then a bench player, meanwhile we’re moving someone on and right now I can’t see who that would be that makes a tonne of sense. Maybe we’re signing this new CB because we’re swapping with Natta or Cancar, or potentially swapping out Grozos or Bayliss?

Clayton has expressed he wants to get out of here.. Twice..
Lets hope its not him..

[Mark325]

1893

Can only hope this doesn’t mean Amini is joining

[ForeverRed]

1893

Can only hope this doesn’t mean Amini is joining
I?ll burn my membership if that clown comes anywhere near Joel Griffith Rd

[Mark325]

Jetting in: Defender turns down deal in Scotland, set to play major role for Newcastle

Joe Shaughnessy has been labelled a warrior and leader and the Irish centreback appears set to play a major role in the rebuild at the Newcastle Jets under new coach Mark Milligan.

Shaughnessy has turned down a two-year contract extension at Dundee FC and the Newcastle Herald understands that 32-year-old has agreed to join the Jets for the 2025-26 A-League campaign.

Dundee confirmed on Wednesday the departure of Shaughnessy - naming the 32-year among a list of players who had not been retained by the Scottish Premier League club.

Milligan is keen to tighten up a Jets defence that leaked 44 goals last season.

Shaughnessy, 32, was the captain at the Dark Blues and would add much-needed experience to the Jets' defence.

Kosta Grozos was used as a makeshift centreback for much of last season by then Jets coach Rob Stanton.

Shaughnessy would be the fifth central defender alongside Aleks Susnjar, Mark Natta, Phil Cancar and scholarship player Ben Van Dorssen on the Jets books.

Cancar, 24, and Natta, 22, can also play as fulbacks.

Milligan told the Newcastle Herald last month: "There will definitely be some changes."

"We need to bring in three experienced players. With what we want to do, that is very important.

"When it comes to experienced players, I want people who fit the character we need as well as the playing profile.

"With all the huffing and puffing I do, young players will learn just as much from the person sitting next to them in the change room."

The Jets confirmed last week that former Japanese international Kota Mizunuma, 35, had signed a one-year extension.

Susnjar, at 29, and striker Lachie Rose, 26, are the only other players aged above 24 currently on the roster.

Shaughnessy, a former Ireland under-21 representative, has played his entire career in Scotland, including stints at St Mirren, St Johnstone and Aberdeen.

He returned from a torn ACL midway through last season and helped turn around Dundee's form to ensure the Dark Blues stayed in the top flight.

Shaughnessy, who stands 183cm, made 11 appearnces.

In that time, Dundee conceded just 14 goals and recorded three clean sheets.

The centre half averaged 13 clearances a game, won 58 aerials duels and scored a goal.

Shaughnessy's expected arrival follows a two-year deal signed by Daniel Wilmering this week.

Milligan has 14 senior players on contract, plus three on scholarships - Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Van Dorssen.

Former Sydney FC midfielder Max Burgess is understood to have agreed to terms, with an announcement expected in the next fortnight.

One of the vacant places will go to a second keeper.

The Jets begin pre-season training in July.

[Mark325]

https://au.news.yahoo.com/socceroo-attracts-interest-hungary-063319966.html?

It's a few days old but links in here to a "player swap of sorts with the Wanderers for Alex Badolato", with some quotes from Milligan.

Update on Burgess too, which is no comment.

FootballFeverAU have reported WSW are looking for a new CB, and that that’s who they’re targeting for this player swap. So it’s either Natta, Susjnar or Cancar gone for us next season

[Jeterpool]

I reckon Cancar would be most likely. He was back up most of last season and, like Natta too, has a past with the WSW.

Four CBs who all demand starting positions in a squad-capped league is not a good use of spaces.

[Alton]

I reckon Cancar would be most likely. He was back up most of last season and, like Natta too, has a past with the WSW.

Four CBs who all demand starting positions in a squad-capped league is not a good use of spaces.

Spot on Pool, Cancar gone

[The Postman]

"Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the departure of forward Alex Badolato from the club following the mutual termination of his contract."

[Jeterpool]

"Western Sydney Wanderers FC have today confirmed the departure of forward Alex Badolato from the club following the mutual termination of his contract."

....Announcement incoming you'd think

[Mark325]

Well it’s offical. Cancar gone, Badalato signed on for two years

Overall good business, I like Cancar but he can be a bit of a liability at times and is likely an a-league lifer, but Badalato has some real potential as a player we can make coin off of and is gonna be helpful for this upcoming season.

I wonder if between the signings of Badalato and rumoured Burgess signing that we’re hedging our bets that both Adams and Taylor will be gone as early as the Jan transfer window, and this will give us the cover to immediately have two first-team quality players ready to go the second it happens who have had time to gel with the squad

[Retro Jet]

Jetting in: Defender turns down deal in Scotland, set to play major role for Newcastle

Joe Shaughnessy has been labelled a warrior and leader and the Irish centreback appears set to play a major role in the rebuild at the Newcastle Jets under new coach Mark Milligan.



You can even hear him speak!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFddDEE8FDo&t=17s&ab_channel=PremierSports

[Bon]

Going off of the facey post a few mins ago, I'm going to assume that they are announcing Burgess at 5pm?

[ForeverRed]

Members email sent announcement ng burgess, we now have an abundance of attacking midfielders

[Mark325]

Based on what we’ve already signed and the planned signing of Shaughnessy, it’s safe to say CB and all attacking options are full. What gaps do people feel we need to fill?

Obvious spot that needs to be filled is a GK, someone young who can push Noah James

RB and LB both need coverage. Aquilina has nailed down the starting spot, but I’d still like to see someone else signed ahead of Wilmering

*just read the Herald article and it says we’re signing Richard Nkomo, LB from Sydney on a scholarship deal*

Midfields are also a bit light. Grozos is a solid bench, but a real solid CDM who can allow Bayliss to flourish in the CM role would be great.

[Jeterpool]

My thoughts are we need two strikers, defensive midfield, a box-to-box type, a goalie and yes - a right back and left back. That would leave one spare spot after that.

Strikers I'd try get one to challenge Rose and one as a development (ala Vidic).
Defensive Mid needs to be starter-capable.
Box to Box similarly starter capable. Depth and competition with Bayliss and Grozos is needed.
Right and Left backs I see more as a development/squad role. I am Ok with Aquilina and Wilmering starting.
Goalie I'd try experienced back-up.

PS - I've updated the first post.

If the scholarship players are outside the 23 squad cap numbers, the above works. If not...I'll rethink. And a lot depends on money too.

[Macca]

Would love to see us make a move for Jake Hollman, he has always looked quality whenever I've seen him play against us.

[Jeterpool]

Would love to see us make a move for Jake Hollman, he has always looked quality whenever I've seen him play against us.

I would too. You get the sense he'd be looking to go overseas. If he doesn't, I think Sydney is a likely destination because of Caceres leaving and his past links with their youth set up..

Two players I will be interested to see where they land are Alou Kuol and Ivan Nujica.

[ForeverRed]

We need a top quality keeper, james at best is a number 2, his last 2 games for us showed he won?t make it, sorry but sometimes the truth hurts.

[Bon]

I really think our biggest issue is the middle of the park..
Can't help but think of what we could achieve if we'd kept blokes like Angus or Stevie UG.. (I realise they didn't want to stay around or we couldnt afford to keep them, etc)

[R Ramjet]

Grozos probably goes back into midfield to fill the void with timmins gone.
Another Defensive type midfielder is probably also needed.
A new Keeper and some depth at left/right fullback.
If we can keep Clayton Taylor then that's probably our squad once the new CB arrives.
I didn't see the Jeterpool post on the previous page but basically what he said.
I'm not sure our squad number/budget will allow for 2 new midfielders though.
I was thinking we had 4 spots left. GK, LB, RB DM. The rest is scholarship or youth spots.

[Jeterpool]

One relevant question I keep coming back to is Lachie Rose. If he gets injured like last season, how do we cover that? Do we have belief he's robust enough to last a season and is Ben Gibson as the only backup the right level?

[ForeverRed]

IT IS the start of a new era at the Newcastle Jets.
The Jets officially kicked off preseason training ahead of the 2025-26 A-League season at Maitland Sportsground yesterday.
New coach Mark Milligan put the squad through a 75-minute ballwork session, battling fierce winds and driving rain.

The squad, a mix of new and old, was beefed up by players from the youth team.
New arrivals Max Burgess and Alex Badolato were on deck for session one.
Japanese international Kota Mizunuma, striker Lachie Rose, 2024-25 captain Kosto Grozos and young guns Eli Adams and Clayton Taylor headed the familiar faces.
Milligan?s new right-hand man, former Melbourne Victory assistant coach Nick Stavroulakisis, and new keeper coach Jesse Vanstrattan helped put the squad through their paces.
Milligan has taken the reins from Rob Stanton and is charged with ending the club?s seven-year absence from the finals.
The former Socceroo and A-League championship-winning player has overhauled the roster.
Nine players have departed, including first-team regulars Ryan Scott, Cal Timmins, Dane Ingham and Charles M?mombwa from the side that finished ninth on 30 points last season ? eight points outside the top six.
Irish defender and Dundee captain Joe Shaughnessy has agreed to terms, taking the senior roster to 15 players.
Will Dobson, Oscar Fryer, Alex Nunes and Ben van Dorssen are on scholarship deals. Sydney FC teenager Richard Knomo will be among potentially three other youngsters given an opportunity in the senior squad.
Jets general manager of football Ken Schembri told the Newcastle Herald last week that signing another keeper was a priority.
Milligan, depending on the budget, is likely to add three other senior players.
So, where does that leave the Jets in a league where player spending has been cut back and there is a greater reliance on youth?
The Jets operate under one of the smallest budgets in the league. On the surface, Milligan?s early recruitment appears on point.
Burgess has played more than 100 A-League games and brings experience and versatility. He has featured in three final series and is a proven game breaker.
Alex Badalato is a genuine No.10 and is fresh from leading the Young Socceroos to the under-20 Asian Cup, where he was player of the tournament.
He has been at Wanderers and Victory for the past two seasons, where the front third is packed with foreigners and Socceroos.
He played in the grand final for Victory and appears ready to take the next step.
Shaunghnessy, although not announced, is only awaiting a visa. The 32-year-old centre-back has spent most of his career in the Scottish Premier League and will add a tough edge physically and mentally.
His partnership with Aleks Susnjar should ensure the sloppy goals and costly lapses, especially late in each half, are minimised.
Mark Natta and second-year scholarship player van Dorssen provide depth in the centre of defence.
Milligan needs to find another keeper. Noah James pipped Ryan Scott for the No.1 role halfway through last season. But he is 24 and boasts just eight A-League appearances. Tommy Aquilina and Daniel Wilmering are the only genuine fullbacks in the senior squad. Knomo has potential but is untried. Youth team right back Garang Arou is also expected to train with the senior squad.
The defensive midfield stocks could also do with some cover. Kosta Grozos returns to the midfield of the park after being used as a makeshift centre back by Stanton. Lachie Bayliss developed into a ball-winning midfielder last season. Youth team playmaker Christian Bracco will have the preseason to prove his worth.
The most competition is in the front third. It is unclear what formation Milligan will opt for. Burgess and Badolato add silk to a mix of pace and power. Kota Mizunuma was a revelation after arriving in the transfer window. His crossing and delivery from set pieces added a new dimension.
Eli Adams is a match-winner and is coming off a career-best haul of nine goals. There has been interest in the left-footer from Europe but nothing has materialised as yet.
Lachie Rose is all hustle and bustle and netted eight goals.
Clayton Taylor backed up his breakout rookie season with another seven goals and six assists. A cloud remains over his future in Newcastle, but he is contracted and training.
Ben Gibson (four goals, four assists) will be better for his first season, and home-grown attacker Dobson should get more minutes after a taste of the A-League.
Throw in Oscar Fryer, who missed all last season with a ruptured ACL, and potentially rising academy star Oli Cockle and Milligan has plenty of options.
If he can find the cash, another experienced ball-winning six and target man up front would provide balance.
Of course, plenty can happen between now and kick-off. The draw is yet to be released, but no doubt Milligan will want to make a bright start to his first as a head coach.
Jets (possible): Noah James; Daniel Wilmering, Aleks Susnjar, Joe Shaughnessy, Tommy Aquilina; Kota Mizunuma, Kosta Grozos, Max Burgess, Clayton Taylor; Eli Adams, Lachie Rose.

[R Ramjet]

Rose does seem to have his share of injuries. Is he actually an out an out striker ? I thought he was mainly played out wider before coming to the jets.
Hopefully Gibson improves from the experience of last season.
You do make a good point. It's been reported that we will have a squad of 19 senior players so I guess it's hard to cover all bases with that number.
You need some good youth/scholarship players to fill the gaps.

[Alton]

Rose does seem to have his share of injuries. Is he actually an out an out striker ? I thought he was mainly played out wider before coming to the jets.
Hopefully Gibson improves from the experience of last season.
You do make a good point. It's been reported that we will have a squad of 19 senior players so I guess it's hard to cover all bases with that number.
You need some good youth/scholarship players to fill the gaps.

Feutz training with Jets, he can find the net

[Jeterpool]

Feutz training with Jets, he can find the net

Who is Feutz?

[northern_swan]

Feutz training with Jets, he can find the net

I thought he had signed at Sydney Olympic?

[Macca]

Who is Feutz?

https://www.facebook.com/newcastleherald/posts/edgeworth-eagles-fc-recruit-ryan-feutz-has-set-the-npl-northern-nsw-alight-with-/910218247810236/

Edgeworth NZ striker who's been NNSW NPL leading scorer the last two years.

An article yesterday said he has left Edgeworth to sign with Sydney Olympic.

[Mark325]

Youth game today has Richard Nkomo in the starting side so it seems we’ve quietly made him official. We also have Lucas Scicluna on the bench, a CDM/CM from the mariners so we’ve seemingly signed him as well

[anfield]

Feutz training with Jets, he can find the net

He scored a good goal from outside the box last night on his debut for Sydney Olympic.

[ForeverRed]

Adelaide keeper from last season has left to take up an offer from another A league club, he was the worst keeper in the league, he better not be coming to Newcastle

[Jeterpool]

Matt Acton left Brisbane too. Milligan spoke about experience and we all suggested Noah James needs experience around him. On paper Acton ticks more of those boxes, but seems underwhelming when you consider in the past we had the likes of Moss.

Delianov is the opposite of that.

I'd prefer Acton over Delianov, myself, if I have to choose. I'd have preferred Scott over both.

I'd have preferred Bouzanis over all the 3 above.

[ForeverRed]

Matt Acton left Brisbane too. Milligan spoke about experience and we all suggested Noah James needs experience around him. On paper Acton ticks more of those boxes, but seems underwhelming when you consider in the past we had the likes of Moss.

Delianov is the opposite of that.

I'd prefer Acton over Delianov, myself, if I have to choose. I'd have preferred Scott over both.

I'd have preferred Bouzanis over all the 3 above.
Yes, Bouzanis his a good signing

[380]

Acton had a blinder v Gypos final round of last season

[R Ramjet]

JAMES DELIANOV has been announced and signed for the next 2 seasons.

[Jeterpool]

Mark clearly doesn't read this forum yet.

Should not be a surprise given Mark's time as an Adelaide assistant.

[ForeverRed]

Like my post above says, he was the worst keeper in the league, now we have two keepers who are reserve graders at best, no confidence at all

[Alton]

Like my post above says, he was the worst keeper in the league, now we have two keepers who are reserve graders at best, no confidence at all

Millsy knows best he has him in Adelaide

[W8 WATCHER]

Like my post above says, he was the worst keeper in the league, now we have two keepers who are reserve graders at best, no confidence at all

your new name -FOREVER KAREN

the biggest whinger in newcastle, every article, on every platform your name pops up, whining about everything.:banned2:

lets see what he is like.
newcastle has been the worst club in the last 5 years,
Del will be a massive improvement:popcorn:

[Jeterpool]

20 players signed for season
- 17 A-League squad players from possible 23
- # = 2 Visa spot from possible 5
- ^ = 3 Scholarships from possible 3(?)
- 0 Player loaned out
- * contract length has not been disclosed and it is believed this is the deal length

Expiring 25/26
13 Clayton Taylor
15 Aleks Susnjar
21 Noah James
17 Kosta Grozos
18 Kota Mizunuma
39 Thomas Aquilina
33 Mark Natta
09 Lachlan Rose
37 Lachlan Bayliss
22 Ben Gibson
25 Oscar Fryer

Expiring 26/27
07 Eli Adams
23 Daniel Wilmering
xx Alex Badolato
xx Max Burgess
xx Joe Shaunghnessy
xx James Delianov

Scholarships & Youth
24 Alex Nunes - 25/26 ^
44 Ben van Dorssen - 25/26 ^
28 Will Dobson - 25/26 ^
60 Garang Arou - youth (excluded)
45 Christian Bracco - youth (excluded)

Squad Depth (Primary position)
GK - 2 (James, Delianov)
RB - 1 (Aquilina)
CB - 5 (Susnjar, Shaughnessy, Natta, van Dorssen, Arou)
LB - 1 (Wilmering)
CM - 4 (Grozos, Nunes, Bayliss, Bracco)
CAM - 3 (Burgess, Adams, Badolato)
RW - 2 (Mizunuma, Dobson)
LW - 2 (Taylor, Fryer)
ST - 2 (Rose, Gibson)

Rumoured Incoming Players
None

Rumoured Outgoing Players
Clayton Taylor - reported in Newcastle Herald to be seeking release (https://www.newcastlefootball.net/forum/showthread.php?3368-2024-2025-Newcastle-Jets-mens-squad&p=280906&viewfull=1#post280906)

Updated with new players recently signed. Also added an attempt at a squad depth chart for position they have primarily played for us or previous club. Doesn't account for versatility.

Also added in youth players who have represented club in the past but not on a scholarship.

[The Dunster]

We need a left and right back. Our two incumbents aren't exactly defensively aware.

[380]

Im gunna go so far as too say of all of Grozos's time at the Jets he played his best football for the club as a makeshift CB, Not in his usual midfield role.

[ForeverRed]

your new name -FOREVER KAREN

the biggest whinger in newcastle, every article, on every platform your name pops up, whining about everything.:banned2:

lets see what he is like.
newcastle has been the worst club in the last 5 years,
Del will be a massive improvement:popcorn:

Sorry for being honest, it?s a forum, you can turn off if you like, you won?t be missed

[My2BobsWorth]

Keep ya silly bitchin for the local side of the fence, it's one big love in over here, where everyone agrees with everyone

[W8 WATCHER]

Sorry for being honest, it?s a forum, you can turn off if you like, you won?t be missed

Thanks Forever Karen
i will start turning off every social platform on the planet you like to whinge on, it may take me a while

[The Hacker]

I see Adelaide turned down a 2 Million dollar offer for Archie Goodwin. Not bad for a club that got him for free and put 1 years work in

[Couscous]

We have a disputes and dissent section of the forum. You need to have this discussion over there

[ForeverRed]

A poor loss to Brisbane yesterday, anyone see the game

[Mark325]

A poor loss to Brisbane yesterday, anyone see the game

Seems like we played a lot of the younger crop, so I’m not crazy concerned about the result

Also we signed Joel Bertolissio for a year, seems like a totally functional kinda player that can play centre back, right back and CDM and do them all to a passable degree.

[ForeverRed]

Seems like we played a lot of the younger crop, so I’m not crazy concerned about the result

Also we signed Joel Bertolissio for a year, seems like a totally functional kinda player that can play centre back, right back and CDM and do them all to a passable degree.
I?d prefer a more exciting signing like an overseas player or an established A league player, are there any spots left

[Alton]

I?d prefer a more exciting signing like an overseas player or an established A league player, are there any spots left

Get Angus back

[My2BobsWorth]

Sign Balotelli!!! He could be our Usain Bolt, Oh yeah

[Jeterpool]

He'd be the first since Ljubo to go into the squadron

[My2BobsWorth]

Forgot to post the link, he looks good in red and blue too
https://aleagues.com.au/news/mario-balotelli-a-league-transfer-very-interested-rumour-mill-italy-international/

[ForeverRed]

He'd be the first since Ljubo to go into the squadron
What squadron 🤷*♂️

[ForeverRed]

Players deserve a home: Jets keeping watch as axe hovers over embattled club
James Gardiner
James Gardiner

Sports Writer. Published 03 September 2025, 06:00 pm


Former Jets midfielder Angus Thurgate will be among a host of players on the market if Western United lose an appeal against the decision to strip the club?s A-League licence. Picture Getty Images
JETS management is keeping a close eye on the situation at embattled A-League club Western United and hasn?t ruled out targeting players if the club falls over.
An appeal against a wind-up order of Western United by the Australian Tax Office over a $15 million debt will be ruled on by the Federal Court on Friday.
A separate appeal by Western United against Football Australia?s decision to strip the club of its A-League licence will be determined next Tuesday.

It seems, unless a white knight ? or several white knights ? emerge, the club will be axed from the A-League men?s and women?s competition.
Potentially 23 men?s players, headed by former Jets midfielder Angus Thurgate, and a similar number of women could enter the market.
?I?m feeling right now for Western United. It is an incredibly difficult position for them,? Jets CEO Tain Drinkwater said.
?They obviously have a strong playing roster. I will be guided by [Jets coach] Mark [Milligan]. If there are players he thinks we could accommodate in our roster. That is something the club and our ownership group would look at.?
The Newcastle Herald understands that the players? union has discussed with the Australian Professional League the possibility of increasing the $3 million salary cap and other concessions in the event Western United collapses.
Milligan, like Drinkwater, hopes Western United is not shut down.
?It is very disappointing if that is the final result. It very much looks that way at the moment,? he said.
?It?s not ideal for the players. I think it will be a discussion for a lot of clubs.
?At the end of the day, there are some very good players there. They are very good players who don?t deserve to be without a home.
?We will wait and see where that lands and what happens. I?m sure there will be discussion around that.?
As it stands, the Jets only have a couple of places available on the roster, which had been earmarked for young players.
Other clubs have up to six spots available.
The Jets lack depth at fullback and the base of midfield.
Uncertainty over Western United?s future has also delayed the release of the draws for the upcoming men?s and women?s A-League seasons.
The men?s competition starts on October 17. A draw featuring 13 teams, including Western, has been drawn up. The APL is also compiling a fixture list for 12 teams.
?I expect by the end of the week, we will have some clarity around the next steps and the timeline,? Drinkwater said. ?The APL has given us a commitment that they are working on it as a priority.
?Once a determination [on Western?s future] is made, they will quickly be in a position to inform the clubs.?

[My2BobsWorth]

They have some good young players that would fit in with our new business plan

[Jeterpool]

If we weren't flushed for CBs I'd get Dylan Leonard.

I'd love love Ibusuki. I think he'd do wonders in our system

[Jeterpool]

Post 1 updated with Richard Nkomo Scholarship signature.

Scholarships for Nkomo and Bertoncello announced. Unsure if Nunes, Dobson and van Dorssen remain on scholarship

[Mark325]

Post 1 updated with Richard Nkomo Scholarship signature.

Scholarships for Nkomo and Bertoncello announced. Unsure if Nunes, Dobson and van Dorssen remain on scholarship

These quotes were taken from a Herald article about Bertoncello's signing, but written before Nkomo's Scholarship signing

'The 19-year-old is the latest academy product to earn a scholarship, joining Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Ben van Dorssen and former Sydneysiders Oscar Fryer and Lucas Sciluna.'

'The Jets are expected to add at least one more homegrown youngster on a scholarship and bring in a new player.'

So, based on the Nkomo and Bertoncello signings, we have 7 scholarships. I do find it strange that the wording of that doesn't match Nkomo who isn't a local. It does say we can have 9 scholarships on wikipedia, so maybe we're still planning to add names like Bracco and Cooper to that list.

And the one new player will likely be someone from Western United. Of the players left who haven't been signed, Tate Russell as extra RB coverage would be totally fine, I'd prefer him to putting Bracco in as coverage when that's not his preferred position.

[Jeterpool]

These quotes were taken from a Herald article about Bertoncello's signing, but written before Nkomo's Scholarship signing

'The 19-year-old is the latest academy product to earn a scholarship, joining Will Dobson, Alex Nunes, Ben van Dorssen and former Sydneysiders Oscar Fryer and Lucas Sciluna.'

'The Jets are expected to add at least one more homegrown youngster on a scholarship and bring in a new player.'

So, based on the Nkomo and Bertoncello signings, we have 7 scholarships. I do find it strange that the wording of that doesn't match Nkomo who isn't a local. It does say we can have 9 scholarships on wikipedia, so maybe we're still planning to add names like Bracco and Cooper to that list.

And the one new player will likely be someone from Western United. Of the players left who haven't been signed, Tate Russell as extra RB coverage would be totally fine, I'd prefer him to putting Bracco in as coverage when that's not his preferred position.

Thanks Mark. I will update as I missed it.

[Mark325]

Jets are expected to announce two more scholarships, likely Cooper and Bracco considering there game time during the cup.

[My2BobsWorth]

Jets are expected to announce two more scholarships, likely Cooper and Bracco considering there game time during the cup.

Both signed

[My2BobsWorth]

Also, Badolato has been nominated for the AFC men's Youth Player of the year. Not a bad gong. I think we might miss him in the Cup final

[Mark325]

These are the Herald updates on everyone who wasn't in the squad for the cup final

'Eli Adams and Joe Shaughnessy, who both missed the Australia Cup decider due to injury, are now due back with the squad.

Max Cooper was sidelined late with illness at Lakeside Stadium while Alex Badolato will soon return from the Under-20 World Cup in Chile after the Young Socceroos failed to qualify for the round of 16 despite a 3-1 win against Cuba on Sunday (AEDT).

Clayton Taylor and Noah James continue recovering from off-season surgery.'

By first game of the season, assuming nothing changes, it feels likely we'll have Adams and Shaughnessy available on the bench, Cooper and Badolato returning to the main side, and Taylor and James still ETA with no word about their expected recovery time

[Bon]

These are the Herald updates on everyone who wasn't in the squad for the cup final

'Eli Adams and Joe Shaughnessy, who both missed the Australia Cup decider due to injury, are now due back with the squad.

Max Cooper was sidelined late with illness at Lakeside Stadium while Alex Badolato will soon return from the Under-20 World Cup in Chile after the Young Socceroos failed to qualify for the round of 16 despite a 3-1 win against Cuba on Sunday (AEDT).

Clayton Taylor and Noah James continue recovering from off-season surgery.'

By first game of the season, assuming nothing changes, it feels likely we'll have Adams and Shaughnessy available on the bench, Cooper and Badolato returning to the main side, and Taylor and James still ETA with no word about their expected recovery time


Cheers mate!

[furns]

So looking at our squad currently, are there any opportunities for a cheeky punt on any players from Heidelberg or Avondale?
Fulton from Heidelberg looks a handy left sided player but we look to be pretty well covered there
Tevere from Avondale - right winger but similar story

[Jeterpool]

Could see Max Bisetto getting a run :whistling:

[Mark325]

I liked the look of Duraku, their RB, which we have no real coverage for atm