Newcastle Jets 2024/25 A-League Men season review

A season where the Jets were routinely in the headlines, usually because of Rob Stanton’s eccentric press conferences, rather than the on-field action, and they ended the season with a disappointing ninth placed finish, in Round Ball Australia’s next season review.

The 2024/25 season was always going to be a defining one for the Newcastle Jets. Entering year two under head coach Rob Stanton, there was cautious optimism surrounding the squad and the clubs new ownership. A core shake-up saw the departure of marquee names like Archie Goodwin, Reno Piscopo, and Lucas Mauragis, while last season’s top scorer Apostolos Stamatelopoulos chased new opportunities in Scotland.

In came the highly-rated Brazilian Wellissol, Japanese veteran Kota Mizunuma mid-season, the industrious Lachlan Rose, and youth prospects like Ben Gibson. Kosta Grozos was handed the captain’s armband. With a mix of attacking flair, youthful energy and renewed leadership, fans dared to dream — but what followed was a journey far from linear.

Season Grade: C-

The Jets’ season was the definition of inconsistency. A dismal start that saw five losses in six was countered by a club-record equalling seven-game unbeaten run. They delivered historic highs — like a 6-0 demolition of Central Coast — yet spent only a single round inside the top six all season. Ultimately, there were enough moments to suggest growth, but not enough to deliver genuine success. A mid-table finish, a coach sacked, and more questions than answers leaves this as a “could’ve been” campaign.

Consistency Killed Any Chance Of Contending

The recurring narrative was the Jets’ inability to stitch together a full season. Bright moments — Rose’s impact, Mizunuma’s arrival, and Adams’ clinical finishing — were undercut by a persistent failure to close games. Matches that looked like wins turned into draws or defeats, and momentum was continually halted just as it built.

Off the pitch, the tension between Stanton and club management bubbled over into public view, with post-match pressers becoming platforms for airing grievances. Stanton’s ousting in April, despite a recent contract extension, underscored the disconnect between coaching expectations and club infrastructure.

Breakouts, Bombshells & Best on Ground

Eli Adams emerged as the club’s most potent weapon, claiming both the Golden Boot and Members’ Player of the Year awards. Sharp, lively and decisive in front of goal, he was often the difference-maker.

Thomas Aquilina quietly had a superb campaign, recognised by peers as the Player of the Year for his consistency and composure in defence.

Lachlan Rose was electric when fit and was such a strong cultural fit for the Newcastle community with his blue collar work ethic, and took home the Craig Johnston award at the clubs awards night.

Kota Mizunuma brought a level of class and professionalism that lifted the group in the second half of the season and the fans clearly connected with his passion and want to drive the team to better performances. His class was evident on many occasions as he delivered his trademark sizzling pinpoint crosses at will, and it has seen him sign on for one more season.

On the flip side, Wellissol’s campaign fizzled out after a promising pre-season. Whether it was tactics, form or fitness, he couldn’t find a consistent role and became a non-factor as the season wore on.

New Coach, Same Questions?

With Mark Milligan now appointed as head coach, the Jets head into 2025/26 in a familiar position — searching for identity, consistency and a clear path forward. Milligan has pedigree and presence, but he’s untested as a head coach. With a slew of off-season departures including Ryan Scott, Dane Ingham, Callum Timmins and Charles M’Mombwa, his re-build task is not small.

The hope? That the flashes of brilliance this season can be harnessed into a genuine finals push. The concern? That the structural challenges and resource gaps that frustrated Stanton may still linger.

For long-suffering Jets fans, the next chapter begins now — and it needs to be one of meaningful progress, not just another reset.