Jason Hoffman will farewell Newcastle Jets in an F3 Derby against Central Coast Mariners as the veteran plays his final game for the Isuzu UTE A-League club.
Hoffman will close out his 17-year career on Saturday in what will be a milestone appearance for the Jets great.
The final-round showdown against rivals the Mariners will be the 35-year-old’s 300th A-Leagues appearance, having played 220 for Newcastle – the most in Jets history following his debut in 2007.
WANT TO SAY GOODBYE TO JASON HOFFMAN? BUY TICKETS TO SATURDAY’S F3 DERBY
Hoffman was part of the Jets team that won their sole Championship in 2008 – a 1-0 victory over the Mariners.
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“I’m incredibly proud of the fact that I have been able to represent Newcastle for such a long time,” said Hoffman.
“As a kid all I wanted to do was play for the Jets and I can’t believe that 17 years after getting my first opportunity to run on in an A-League game, I’ll step onto the field again for my 300th A-League match. The majority of that time has been spent at Newcastle, which is something I’m extremely proud of.
“For me to have the honour of playing my 300th A-League game at home in front of family and friends, and to reach this milestone and play against our great rival is massive. I know the whole team will be giving everything to finish the season with a very big three points in front of our fans.
WANT TO SAY GOODBYE TO JASON HOFFMAN? BUY TICKETS TO SATURDAY’S F3 DERBY
“This year has been a real year of growth for myself and the role I have played with this young time in what has been a real challenging period for the club.
“For me as a local boy and senior player in the change-room, I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with the culture, environment and resilience we have created and shown this season.
“I have really enjoyed the role I have played in helping this bright young squad and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds because I believe there is a really strong product here in Newcastle.
“I feel like my fitness is still right up there and I know that I still have a lot to give to football in general. There are some opportunities for me looking to next year and I look forward to settling this and continuing to be part of the football community here in Newcastle.”
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Hoffman has amassed 238 games for the Jets across all competitions, including nine this season.
He also played 81 matches for Melbourne City (then known as Melbourne Heart) between 2010-15.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Jason and the contribution he has made to this club – and off the field. I know he’s someone who always sets high standards and leads in everything he does,” said Jets CEO Shane Mattiske.
“We’re thankful for everything he has done for this club and this football community. He has unquestionably been a fantastic ambassador for this whole region. He’ll always be a legend of this club and we look forward to maintaining our connection into the future.”
Jets head coach Rob Stanton added: “Jason has been a wonderful servant for the club. He has had an incredible career as a player and I can’t thank him enough for the professionalism he has shown this season as well as the standards which he drives for the team.
“He epitomises what it means to be a Newcastle Jets player and it’s fitting that we farewell him in what will be his 300th A-League men’s match.”
WANT TO SAY GOODBYE TO JASON HOFFMAN? BUY TICKETS TO SATURDAY’S F3 DERBY
