Ex-Canberra defender brings ‘key strength’ to Newcastle Jets: ‘What we’re looking for’

Newcastle Jets have signed former Canberra United defender Ava Piazza on a two-season contract.

Piazza will remain a Jet until the end of the 2025-26 Ninja A-League campaign and after one season at Canberra, the 19-year-old has been backed to become a key member of the Newcastle squad under head coach Ryan Campbell.

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The Jets coach says Piazza could find a regular starting role next to experienced centre-back Natasha Prior in his defensive line.

“Ava is another young player who demonstrates a lot of the characteristics that we are looking for. She has experience playing in the A-League Women’s competition and has also spent time training with overseas clubs throughout the break,” he said.

“Her striking of the ball is a key strength of hers which is something that is important in order to play the possession based game that we are looking to implement. I am looking forward to seeing how much Ava improves in our training environment as well as potentially playing next to a player like Tash Prior.”

Piazza is the fourth new arrival at the Jets along with Bel Rolley, Danielle Krzyzaniak and India Breier.

“I’m incredibly thrilled to be working under Ryan,” Piazza said. “And very excited for the season ahead. I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates for the new season to begin.

“It’s exciting to be joining this Club and seeing the support they received last season I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here in Newcastle.”

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