The pre-season predictions and betting markets for the Newcastle Jets never were favourable for a Finals Series push in season 2024/25. However, the nature of their performances, rather than simply the results, is generating growing discontent among the fanbase. While the losses were to be expected, the consistent inability to close out matches is disheartening.
Newcastle Jets head coach Rob Stanton has cut a frustrated figure so far this season. (Image: Brock Pearson Photography)
Saturday's match against Sydney FC was another example in a frustrating pattern of the Newcastle Jets failing to put in complete 90-minute performances. Jets fans have become accustomed to late collapses, and the Sydney FC game followed a similar script to previous encounters this season against the Central Coast Mariners and Auckland FC. Once again, the Jets lost a lead in the game's dying stages, conceding two goals in the final 15 minutes.
This recurring theme is not just about losing; it's about how these leads are lost. It's the sense that the team lacks the game management and mentality to see out results. So far, this inability to manage the game in its crucial moments has become a defining characteristic of the Jets' season.
To their credit, Newcastle's performance improved significantly, especially in the first half against Sydney FC. The Sky Blues appeared sluggish in the first 45, and the Jets were able to capitalise and get into dangerous areas—a factor of their game that has been inconsistent all season. However, familiar issues resurfaced in the final third. The lack of quality in the final pass and lack of composure was evident.
The team's youth and inexperience are both a detriment yet a shining light of the club. Players like Ben Gibson, Eli Adams, Clayton Taylor, and Thomas Aquilina have shown promise, given their relative lack of experience at this level.
Head coach Rob Stanton acknowledged these improvements in his post-match press conference, highlighting the progress of Gibson, Adams, and Taylor. He particularly noted Gibson's direct goal contributions, emphasising his development from NPL football.
“Ben Gibson's played NPL; I’ve signed him to expose him a little bit because I saw something in him. So he’s had to step up. He’s on three goals, three assists. I think he’s doing a really good job," Stanton said.
“I think he’ll get more attention as he keeps playing because he’s going to cause more problems, just like Eli (Adams) and others like Clayton Taylor did last year. The attention he receives now is far greater than the attention he received when he first started.”
Despite a promising first-half performance, the Jets' momentum diminished after half-time. A significant drop in attacking output, evidenced by just one shot on target and 35% possession in the second half, allowed Sydney to regain control. Even with periods of solid defending, the Jets ultimately failed to manage the game effectively and secure the three points.
This pattern raises the question: why can't the Jets consistently see out games, even when performing well? Is the blame to be placed on management, or does the squad simply lack the necessary experience and mental fortitude? Newcastle's struggles are not new. Just look at the instability before new ownership took over in June last year, and you’ll understand the club's struggles. Given this context, is it unreasonable for fans to demand success? For many supporters, the primary concern isn't necessarily winning every game but seeing consistent effort and a clear desire to compete.
Pressure is mounting on Stanton, and questions about whether his approach and style are well-suited to his players are being raised. While their possession statistics are positive for a team in their position—ranking third in pass completion and a respectable seventh in overall possession league-wide, their attacking output tells a different story. The Jets rank third-last in goals per game (1.2) and average just 3.7 shots on target per game.
This disparity suggests an apparent problem: while the Jets can keep the ball, they lack the creativity and edge to convert that possession into final-third opportunities. The Jets seem hesitant to deliver crosses into the box, often opting to recycle possession in less threatening areas.
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Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in transition, further highlight the issue. The Jets' high defensive line can sometimes leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Opponents can sit back, absorb pressure, and then exploit the space behind the backline, knowing the side often struggles to create clear-cut opportunities in open play.
Whether Stanton's influence affects the players' will to take the necessary risks to create in the final third is a concern for many fans.
Stanton's post-match comments have also been a point of discussion. Following their previous home game against Adelaide United, he publicly criticised the younger generation players, suggesting a lack of fight and desire, stating that he needed "to get some of the silver spoons out of their mouths."
These comments sparked controversy, receiving both support and criticism. Whether or not they have positively impacted the team, Stanton's tone shifted in his latest press conference.
“We didn’t play surrender to what they (Sydney FC) wanted to do. I was asking big questions of players who were probably not ready to play. We learned another lesson today, but the brand was good, and the effort was there," he stated.
Regardless of one's opinion on Stanton, the squad lacks the depth of quality to compete for a Finals Series spot. This separate problem raises the point of whether or not a change in coaching personnel would genuinely address the underlying issues with the squad.
The statistics don’t lie. Newcastle's attacking output is among the league's worst. While there were glimpses of improvement against Sydney FC, much work still needs to be done. Their next match against bottom-placed Brisbane Roar tonight presents a vital opportunity for the Jets to change the trajectory of their season and gain three much-needed points.
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