Newcastle Jets have reached the Australia Cup Semi Finals for the first time in their history after a statement 3–0 victory over defending champions Macarthur at the Maitland Sports Ground on Sunday.
While the Bulls were chasing a fourth semi final in as many years - and a chance to defend the title they lifted in 2024 - it was the Jets who made history this time, breaking new ground after years of Australia Cup frustration.
Under the guidance of new coach Mark Milligan, Newcastle showed the composure and resilience that had eluded them in previous campaigns.
Having fallen at the Round of 32 stage six times and only once previously reaching the quarter finals, Newcastle finally booked their place in the final four at the twelfth time of asking.
Newcastle Jets 3–0 Macarthur FC
The hosts began on the front foot, with Xavier Bertoncello flashing an early effort over the bar as the Jets looked to capitalise on their momentum. Captain Max Burgess was heavily involved in the early stages, while Alexander Badolato’s direct running won a free-kick in a dangerous position, though Burgess blazed the chance high.
Daniel Wilmering came close on 11 minutes with a fierce drive just wide, before turning provider for the opener. Driving down the left, the midfielder cut the ball back to Burgess, who held his run on the penalty spot and calmly finished into the bottom corner to hand Newcastle a deserved 18th-minute lead.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/AustraliaCup/status/1959502132119326893
Macarthur almost found an instant reply when Harry Sawyer broke into the box and went to ground under pressure, but the referee waved away strong penalty appeals. Harry Politidis provided flashes of danger for the visitors, but the Jets held sway across the park and carried a 57% share of possession into the break, along with a one-goal advantage.
The Bulls emerged from half-time with renewed energy, Sawyer again going close with a header, while Ji Dong-won’s introduction gave them an extra spark in attack. Yet Newcastle weathered the pressure and continued to threaten, with Ben Gibson denied one-on-one by Filip Kurto after being sent through on goal.
The turning point came with 15 minutes remaining. Substitute Will Dobson, only minutes after replacing Burgess, made a surging run through midfield before driving into the area and slotting past Kurto for his first goal in Jets colours. The local product’s finish sent the Maitland crowd into raptures.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/AustraliaCup/status/1959520364045771233
Newcastle sealed the result just moments later with a slick counter-attack. Badolato supplied the final pass, squaring for Kota Mizunuma to convert from close range and make it 3–0.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/AustraliaCup/status/1959521255918309742
The emphatic win not only eliminated the reigning champions but also underlined Newcastle’s arrival as genuine contenders. After years of frustration, the Jets are now one step away from a first-ever final appearance. They will face Avondale for a place in the decider against either Auckland or Heidelberg.
