Newcastle Jets midfielder Libby Copus-Brown has pledged her future to the club, signing a new two-year deal until the end of the 2025-26 Liberty A-League season.
Copus-Brown was a key member of last season’s history-making squad, playing 24 matches in total as the Jets finished the regular season in sixth spot before ultimately losing to Melbourne City in the Semi-Finals after winning their first ever Finals match.
Initially making her debut for the club back in 2013, the 26-year-old Newcastle local has since gone on to play 62 games for the Jets, bagging six goals in the process, and is delighted to have secured her long-term future.
“I’m really happy to re-sign at my home town Club for the next two seasons,” said Copus-Brown.
“I’m proud to call this club home. We have some of the best fans that support us through the highs and lows.
She continued: “I’m really confident that we will continue to build off the success of last season. We were a new group and have retained a good core of the squad so this is only the beginning for us.
“I can’t wait for the season to begin and go one step further than where we finished last
season.”
Following confirmation of the deal, head coach Ryan Campbell said he was pleased to have tied down a player he believes will be key in helping the Jets return to finals football in season 2024-25.
“Libby had a good season last year and was a key player in our run into the finals,” said Campbell.
“It is great to get her locked in for two more seasons at the club, especially with her being a local player who started her football at the Jets.
He added: “I am looking forward to working with Libby further and her helping us continue from where we left off last season.”
Appointed in January 2024 following the departure of then head coach Gary van Egmond, Campbell successfully steered the club towards finals football last season and even masterminded a first finals win in 16 years.
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The Jets, though, have farewelled star striker and top scorer Sarina Bolden.
Signing on in Newcastle after the 2023-24 Liberty A-League campaign had already begun, the Philippines international soon hit the ground running and finished the season with 16 goals – breaking the club record for the most goals in a Liberty A-League season.
Furthermore, Bolden’s exploits in front of goal not only propelled her side to the Liberty A-League Semi-Finals but they also earned her a spot in the 2023-24 PFA Team of the Season.
But while Bolden has left, Newcastle have been busy making moves.
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With Gema Simon and Alex Huynh announcing their retirements, the club promptly handed a new contract to club legend Cassidy Davis while Emma Dundas, Claudia Cicco, Sophie Hoban, Natasha Prior and Milan Hammond have all also re-signed.
Finally, the Jets announced 23-year-old defender Bel Rolley as their first signing of the off-season earlier this week, with the US College defender joining the club where her younger brother Bronson currently plays in the academy.
