NEWCASTLE Jets have bolstered their squad for the 2021/22 W-League campaign, with both Tara Andrews and Hannah Brewer signing on for another season at the Jets.
The star striker and defensive enforcer extend their respective stays in Newcastle with a shared ambition to haul the Jets back up the W-League table, after an eighth-placed finish in 2020/21.
Star striker Andrews will look to add to her 40 W-League goals this season, after netting five times for the Jets last time out.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Jets again for this season, it’s my hometown club and I love playing in front of my family and friends,” Andrews told the club website.
“Last year, we didn’t do as well as we hoped. So, I’m excited to see the team we put together and I believe we can be successful this season.”
Jets head coach Ash Wilson says Andrews’ return will bring the Jets plenty of variety going forward with her vast attacking skillset.
“I’m very happy to have Tara back for another season,” Wilson said.
“She is a proven goal scorer, bringing a variety of attacking threats through her technically ability, vision and desire to score goals.
“In addition to this, she is someone who has such passion for this team. It’s rare in the W-League to play over 100 games and she has done it with one club.
“That commitment and drive to make the team the best it can be, will be important, as we look to make finals again.”
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Andrews is joined by experienced defender Brewer in re-signing for the club.
Brewer was an inaugural member of Newcastle’s very first W-League side at the age of 15 in 2008. Fast-forward to 2021, and the 28-year-old is ready put it all on the line as part of a Jets outfit intent on impressing in 2021/22.
“This season, I believe is our season to really showcase our real potential,” Brewer said.
“A lot of blood, sweat and tears are shared throughout a season and that’s what really makes a team. I can’t wait to share all these experiences with the girls this year and see where the season takes us.
“I was fortunate enough at 15, to start my career with the Jets and I am excited to continue the journey playing for and representing this amazing club and city.”
Tobin announced as Sky Blues skipper as Glory move falls through
She was meant to venture out West for the 2021/22 W-League campaign, but circumstantial changes have seen Natalie Tobin remain in New South Wales with Sydney FC for the upcoming season – with a new role to play in Ante Juric’s side.
Sky Blues captain Teresa Polias stepped away from the game last week, announcing she would take a break from football to focus on starting a family. Polias’ decision coincided with Tobin putting her move to Western Australia to join Perth Glory on hold, allowing the highly-rated central defender to remain in Sky Blue for another season.
Sydney FC head coach Juric has handed Tobin the armband in Polias’ absence, and says her key role in helping the Sky Blues lift the Premiers Plate in 2020/21 made her the perfect candidate to lead the side into a new campaign.
“We are extremely happy that Natalie is going to be rejoining the club this year as Captain,” Juric told the club website.
“Her performances were outstanding last year and she is a key reason why we won the Premiers Plate.
“She is a natural leader on and off the field and I had no hesitation in awarding her the captain’s armband.”
Tobin added: It’s a huge honour for me to named captain of Sydney FC, the club I have represented for eight seasons now.
“We have had some unbelievable players wear the armband and I’m absolutely privileged and delighted to take it on.
“It’s a big role to fill but I’m looking forward to the challenge and I know I’ll have the support of a wonderful squad as we prepare to retain our Premiers Plate and win the Championship.”
