Newcastle Jets women’s coach Craig Deans has appointed experienced footballer Gema Simon to again captain the W-League side in their 2016-17 campaign.
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Simon returns to Newcastle after a season with Suwon in South Korea’s WK-League and is happy to be back home and charged with the responsibility of leading a national side representing her home city.
“Personally, being appointed as captain again for the new season, it is a privilege as I have grown up in Newcastle,” Simon said.
“I definitely don’t take it for granted and I hope to lead by example and hope that the girls will follow.”
After missing a top-four position last season, Simon is keen to lead the Jets in the finals series this year.
“My goals and certainly those of Craig and the side as a whole for this year is for the Jets to make the finals and go that one better from last year’s result,” Simon said.
“I’m really happy to be home and cannot wait to get started with the girls and get back into training with the side and get that first game under our belt.”
Deans will reveal the rest of his 2016-17 squad on Friday but said their would be a strong local flavour.
“Gema is the first of a number of local players that will feature in the side and I’ll announce these players in the days ahead,” Deans said.
The Jets women start their season in Adelaide on November 6 before heading to Melbourne on November 13.
Their first home game is at Hunter Stadium against Perth Glory on November 20.
