F3 Derby: Jets Celebrate Premiership Triumph

The Newcastle Jets capped off a brilliant Isuzu Ute A-League regular season with a resounding 4-0 victory over their rivals, the Central Coast Mariners.

A decisive two-goal surge halfway through the first half gave the Jets an advantage after an earlier appeal for a Mariners penalty was dismissed.

Newcastle’s key players this season—Will Dobson, Clayton Taylor, and Eli Adams—all found the back of the net in the opening half, while Kota Mizunuma rounded off the score.

The atmosphere at McDonald Jones Stadium was electric, with 20,930 fans celebrating as Newcastle lifted their first-ever premiership title after the final whistle.

The ceremony for presenting the premiership trophy followed.

With this victory, the Jets will enjoy a week off, preparing to face the lowest-ranked team entering the elimination finals, while the Mariners conclude their season sitting ninth in the standings.

The Mariners felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the 10th minute when Nathanael Blair was brought down by Mark Natta as they entered the box, but VAR did not intervene, allowing Newcastle to strike first 11 minutes later.

Dobson’s goal came from a slick move that highlighted Newcastle’s quick passing. Joe Shaughnessy launched a pass from defence that was collected by Ben Gibson, who then slipped it to Dobson down the right channel, where the 18-year-old fired home his fourth goal of the season.

Just four minutes later, the Jets doubled their lead to 2-0 when Taylor expertly flicked in a cross from Adams at the near post with his instep.

Adams nearly made it 3-0 with a free kick in the 32nd minute, but Andrew Redmayne managed to tip it over the bar.

The Mariners made a spirited attempt to fight back, with Oliver Lavale hitting the post from distance in the 34th minute, followed by Blair testing James Delianov just a minute later.

However, Newcastle’s cutting edge was evident as Adams reacted swiftly to nod in after Redmayne could only parry Taylor’s shot that came from a tight angle.

The second half continued to favour Newcastle, who managed 11 shots compared to the Mariners’ two.

Xavier Bertoncello struck the crossbar in the 79th minute, but Newcastle would not be denied their fourth goal when Mizunuma finished off a well-crafted passing sequence on the left flank.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT THEY SAID

Will Dobson spoke to reporters after the match.