Van Egmond delighted as Jets ‘make statement’ in season opener

Westfield Matildas star Emily van Egmond believes Newcastle Jets can make an on-field statement in the Westfield W-League 2017/18 Season.

After finishing outside the finals spots last season, the Jets have opened their new campaign with a 2-1 home win over Western Sydney.

And the national team star was in imperious form in the centre of the park to help the Jets see off a fast-finishing Wanderers.

“We’re young and we’re exciting,” van Egmond told Fox Sports after the final whistle at McDonald Jones Stadium.

“We’ve got a great coach in Craig Deans and he wants to play an exciting brand of football that we’re all trying to buy into as quickly as possible.

“I think the first half we dominated and were probably unlucky not to get another one.

“Second half, credit to the Western Sydney Wanderers, they came out and pressed us a bit higher which we found a bit difficult at times, especially with the wind and those long balls.

“We conceded, but the most positive thing was that we reacted and got a goal back straight away.

“I’m proud of the girls and hopefully we can build on that momentum.

“First game, three points – we couldn’t ask for a better start,” she said.

Newcastle Jets

 

After a stellar 2017 where she has featured in all nine of the Westfield Matildas’ international games, van Egmond wants to see that momentum continue into the domestic competition.

“I’m just as excited as everyone else to see the progression of women’s football here,” said van Egmond.

“It’s the tenth season of the W-League and it’s going to be the most competitive season yet.”