Four-time Ninja A-League Champion Melina Ayres will not return to Newcastle Jets for the 2024-25 season, after announcing her decision to take a break from football.
The Jets star intends to return to the game, and to the Jets, but the club has set no timeline for the 25-year-old’s comeback.
Ayres has won four Championships and two Premierships through her nine seasons in the Ninja A-League to date, having represented Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and most recently the Jets, where she scored five goals late in the 2023-24 season to fire her new club to the Semi-Finals.
“After nine consecutive back-to-back seasons, I have decided to take a break from
football to reflect on the future,” Ayres said in a club statement.
“I’m not retiring, I intend to play again, and when I do, it will be with the Jets, as I have loved playing and living in Newcastle.”
Newcastle Jets General Manager of Football Ken Schembri said: “Life as a professional Women’s footballer is challenging, often combining ALW/NPLW seasons for year-round football.
“We support Melina’s decision to take a break from football and will welcome her back
with open arms when she is ready to rejoin our Ninja A-League program.
“We are assisting Melina with her potential return to play and hope by Melina taking this break now, it will prolong her football career when it resumes.”
The Newcastle Jets and Melina will not be making any further comment and have asked the media to respect all parties’ privacy during this time.
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