The revered former president was this week acknowledged for her incredible involvement in Australian football at her club, as well as the Hunter Central Coast region.

Sadly, McBride and her daughter Kyah were among several Roosters – including Andrew and Lynan Scott, Rebecca Mullen, Zach Bray, Kane Symons and Tori Cowburn – who died in a bus crash at Greta in June.

Singleton was also awarded the Spirit of AFL plaudit.

Two player medals will be named after McBride and Andrew Scott, too.

AFL general manager of women’s football Nicole Livingstone paid tribute to the highly-respected sportswoman known affectionately as Nads.

“A special call out to the family and friends of Nadene McBride, as well as all those from the Singleton Roosters and the Hunter Central Coast region who knew her,” she said.

“Nads’ contribution to the game and community was clearly profound and we know the community would still be doing it tough.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Nadene.”

Established in 2021, the nationwide AFLW Community Ambassador program recognises members from the football community who have been instrumental in facilitating and nurturing the remarkable growth of women and girls’ football.

Each representative receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice.

For McBride, the endowment and opportunity will be presented to the Roosters on her behalf.

Livingstone said the growth in popularity of women and girls’ football had been driven by the assistance of so many.

“On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank the individuals who’ve been recognised as well as all the wonderful people who are the lifeblood of community footy across the country,” she added.

NSW/ACT AFLW Community Ambassador 2023 citation

Nadene McBride (in memory) – Singleton Roosters FC

Nadene was a driving force of women’s football, having played a pivotal role in starting a women’s team. She developed, coached and created a wholesome family environment that has nurtured so many at the Singleton Roosters Australian Football Club (AFC).

She was a mentor to so many young girls and members of the club, supporting, encouraging and developing talented sportswomen in their journey. She was the lifeblood of the club, the heart, and a part of everyone’s family.

Nadene also played a pivotal role as the women’s coordinator on the NSW Masters committee and was a key organiser and liaison between this social competition and the broader Masters’ program.

“Nads” managed the NSW team last year in Adelaide and played for NSW at every National Carnival since Geelong in 2017. Beyond that though, she made a massive contribution to footy in general, especially in the Hunter region, having been a club president and mentor, representative coach and coach in the Sydney Swans Academy.

For more community stories:

• Glitzy Knockers and Moles event raises $20,000
• Soul Hub Big Ask Gala fundraiser brings $100k boost
• Hunter creatives featured at Sculptures in the Garden

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The head coach’s all-conquering Maitland Pickers was scheduled to tackle Illawarra champions Thirroul Butchers at the Maitland Regional Sportsground on Saturday 16 September.

But, the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL) club received notification on Monday that its South Coast opponents had forfeited the clash, meaning the back-to-back Denton Engineering Cup titleholders would progress directly to this month’s grand final.

Lantry said Thirroul’s decision was a tough pill to swallow.

“We’ve been told it’s due to player availability,” he explained.

“However, it’s hugely disappointing for the Pickers.

“We had a massive day planned.

“The Maitland Blacks, who took out the Hunter Rugby crown, and the Maitland Magpies Football Club were attending; and we were keen to engage the Maitland Mustangs and their premiership basketball side.

“We wanted to stage a real community event, involving several successful local sporting groups.

“Now, it’s been taken away from us.

“No doubt, we would’ve attracted our biggest crowd of the season… on the back of what we’ve achieved, winning the competition in such a dominant display.

“We could have come back out in front of our home fans for the last time this year and hosted a number of other organisations in our community.

“It was the perfect chance to showcase them as well, particularly the union players and basketballers.

“We’ve been robbed of that.

“So, it leaves a bit of a sour taste in our mouth.

“Unfortunately, we can’t control that now.

“We’ll just focus on what we need to do in a week-and-a-half’s time.”

Lantry admitted he questioned where the President’s Cup was headed after the Butchers’ desertion.

“I’m really worried about the longevity of it,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“I don’t feel like every area’s invested in the concept the way they should be.

“Maybe playing it between the winners of the Real NRL and Ron Massey Cup is the best way to go moving forward.

“A fortnight after each competition ends, to find out who’s the premier team in the state.

“With no disrespect to the Peter McDonald premiers, it’s unlikely they’ll compete.

“They might win one in every 10 (games)… however, it is just not the standard that Newcastle and Sydney are currently at.

“I’m all for supporting bush footy but I believe if we want to do something, it needs to be a better format that’s capable of catering for all levels.”

Lantry expressed his concern over the workload, or lack of, for his players in the lead-up to the decider, too.

“When you talk about [player] welfare, we’ll have played six matches in three months,” he said.

“We really needed a game this weekend.

“So far, we’ve played three in the past seven weeks, six in the past 12.

“We’re suffering from a complete lack of rugby league.

“Yeah, you can train, but as we know, there’s nothing better than playing week-to-week.

“It is a real delicate situation for us to manage over the next fortnight; however, we’ll get on with it.

“But, as I said, there needs to be some serious discussions between each representative of the NSWRL – Newcastle, Sydney, Central/Regional NSW and the Illawarra – and work out where this concept is heading because I fear that made it may not last.”

The Maitland Pickers will contest the President’s Cup on either 23 or 24 September.

For more sports stories:

• A GOOD SPORT: Pickers pull ahead of their counterparts
• VIDEO: Ugly crowd brawl mars Newcastle league decider
• NRL: Knights’ gutsy finals crusade continues

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In front of 29,548 people, skipper Kalyn Ponga landed the match-winning penalty in the 89^th minute after the combatants were locked together at 28-all at full-time.

It was a fixture that had everything but, in the end, the Knights captured their 10^th consecutive victory and a date with the Warriors in New Zealand next weekend.

With the rousing “Newcastle” chant spurring them on, the Adam O’Brien-coached outfit struck in the fifth minute.

A smart backline movement involving Jackson Hastings, Tyson Gamble, Ponga and Bradman Best resulted in winger Greg Marzhew posting his 21^st try of the season. Ponga landed the sideline conversion for a 6-0 lead.

The hosts then repelled Canberra for five consecutive sets, via exceptional defence on their line.

However, a big hit on centre Dane Gagai by Raiders star Jack Wighton jolted the ball loose and, against the run of play, winger James Schiller crossed in the corner. Jamal Fogarty levelled it up at 6-all.

Newcastle failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity in the 29^th minute.

After Marzhew intercepted, and put the Knights deep in Canberra territory, Gagai appeared to get the better of his oppositive number but knocked on over the tryline.

That mistake proved extremely costly.

Within minutes, following a short Ponga drop-out, interchange forward Trey Mooney smashed his way through the home side. Although Fogarty missed the shot at goal, the visitors hit the front 10-6.

Worse was to come for the tiring Knights.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Wighton sent Schiller on a clear run to collect his double. Fogarty raised the flags and the Raiders’ advantage to 16-6.

Newcastle then suffered another blow, during the break, when Hastings was ruled out due to an ankle injury.

In the 46^th minute, the match turned completely on its head.

Wighton was placed on report after Gamble accused him of biting.

That clicked the Knights into gear.

Almost immediately, Kurt Mann sliced through and found a flying Ponga in support. The latter converted to reduce the margin to 16-12.

Eight minutes later, Ponga injected himself into the play again and Dominic Young touched down for the 24^th time in 2023. Ponga added the extras to push Newcastle ahead 18-16.

Within 90 seconds, it became 22-16 when Gamble and Ponga combined to send Young down the sideline. He discovered an unmarked Gagai backing up.

In the 63^rd minute, Gamble recovered a ball, just metres from his line, stepped up a defender and sent Young on a 60m run to the tryline. Ponga soon made it 28-16.

Canberra refused to surrender and responded straight away.

On the fifth tackle, five-eighth Matt Frawley opted to go himself and strode over. Fogarty ensured the visitors trailed 28-22.

With two-and-a-half minutes remaining, former Knight Tom Starling scored near the uprights. Fogarty tied it up 28-all to send the showdown into extra-time.

It was left to Ponga to seal the result.

For more sports stories:

• VIDEO: Ugly crowd brawl mars Newcastle league decider
• A GOOD SPORT: Pickers pull ahead of their counterparts
• Gary van Egmond determined to start Jets’ ALW season on right foot

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Towards the end of the decider, with the Dora Creek Swampies leading the Waratah-Mayfield Cheetahs 18-14 at the Lakeside Sporting Complex, play was halted when countless supporters began throwing punches, and shouting obscenities, in the stands.

It quickly escalated with about another three scuffles breaking out from the original melee.

Horrified families attempted to shield their children, who can be heard screaming on video footage, while the players from both sides attempted to calm those responsible.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were also in attendance at the Newcastle-Hunter Rugby League encounter.

“About 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 9 September), police were called to a sporting complex on Leisure Way, Raymond Terrace, following reports of a brawl,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

“Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District dispersed the crowd.

“No one required medical treatment at the scene and no arrests have been made at this stage.

“As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Although it’s unclear what started the incident, it’s believed discriminatory comments played a significant role.

“It was disgraceful,” one fan told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Things like that shouldn’t be happening at a rugby league match.”

It’s the second time a major brawl has erupted during a Dora Creek fixture in the past four years.

In September 2020, another punch-up marred proceedings after racial slurs from the crowd were directed at Indigenous players of the opposing team, West Wallsend.

On that occasion, the match was cut short.

Back then, West Wallsend was booted out for the remainder of the season, while there were calls for Dora Creek to be sanctioned, too.

• FOOTNOTE: The Swampies eventually claimed the premiership on Saturday 9 September, thanks to a 20-14 victory over the Cheetahs.

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Over two stages, the 12 Rose Point playing surfaces will be upgraded with asphalt, posts and line-marking to replace the courts damaged by long periods of rain and flooding in 2021 and 2022.

Singleton Council’s director infrastructure and planning services Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr said the reconstruction was necessary to not only improve player safety but to ensure Singleton remains one of the region’s leading sports destinations.

“The impact heavy bouts of rain and flooding has had on the netball courts can be clearly seen on all of the playing surfaces,” he explained.

“There are cracks across courts one to six and bumping and rippling in the asphalt on courts seven to 12.

“The current condition of these well-used courts is not what we, and visitors to our town, expect from our sports facilities and why it is a priority to repair the courts that we can and replace the others.

“Council has worked with Singleton Netball Association to deliver these works in a way that will have as minimal of an impact as possible on their seasonal schedule.

“By staging the project, we’ll be able to upgrade half the courts while the other half can still be used by the association and the wider community.”

The $1.2 million development has been funded through the NSW Government’s Essential Community Sport Assets Program.

Stage one of the works will see courts 7-12 demolished and new asphalt courts installed with new posts and fresh line-marking.

These works are underway now and are due to be completed in December, weather permitting.

Stage two will include the same works for courts 1-6. These works are due to begin in December and be completed mid-March 2024, weather permitting.

A new concrete edge will also be installed around the outside of the courts to assist with protecting the new asphalt courts.

Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr said the project was just one of many sporting infrastructure upgrades scheduled for the 2023/24 financial year, with almost $10 million being invested in upgrading lighting, seating, playing surfaces and clubhouses across the Singleton local government area.

The netball court upgrade is also one in a suite of improvements being made to Cook Park to further cement the precinct as a premier sporting location in Singleton and surrounds.

Other works currently underway include the installation of tiered spectator seating and the construction of a new $1.25million athletics amenities building.

Scheduled works include the $2.2 million extension of the Singleton Roosters AFL Clubhouse and upgrades to the athletics and junior rugby league sports field lighting.

For more stories like this:

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The answer to that question should be known very soon.

In just over a week’s time, the Denton Engineering Cup champions tackle Illawarra’s best, the Thirroul Butchers, in the semi-final of the NSW President’s Cup at the Maitland Sports Ground on Saturday 16 September.

But, what the Pickers have already achieved in the past four years is highly-impressive.

In 2020, at the height of COVID-19, Maitland made the “controversial” decision to enter a statewide semi-professional competition to allow its players to compete at a higher level.

That move paid off, by winning a thrilling 17-16 victory over the Glebe-Burwood Wolves at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium.

Since then, the President’s Cup is now contested at the end of the season between the respective titleholders from Newcastle Rugby League (Real NRL), Illawarra Rugby League, Peter McDonald Premiership and the Ron Massey Cup.

In 2021, the Pickers – back in the Real NRL – claimed the minor premiership by about eight points ahead of their rivals.

However, they were denied the right to win the major honours when restrictions, due to the pandemic, forced officials to cancel the play-off series.

Many believe Maitland deserved to be handed the trophy, too… a first-past-the-post gesture since the plug was pulled on the Real NRL that year.

Motivated by the snub, the Pickers made amends 12 months later, smashing the Macquarie Scorpions 40-4 at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The side then flogged the Hills District Bulls 36-12 at CommBank Stadium to earn its second NSW President’s Cup.

That brings us to 2023.

A week ago, Maitland put the very classy South Newcastle Lions, coached by Andrew “Bobcat” Ryan, to the sword 46-10.

By half-time, the Pickers led 38-0 and several pundits at the ground were comparing the performance to an actual NRL outfit, so perfect was the construction of their tries.

And, for the record, Souths didn’t play badly at all, they were simply outclassed in a 30-minute blitzkrieg.

Credit for that goes to mentor Matt Lantry, right-hand man Darren Taylor and their offsiders, as well as a close-knit playing group.

People bag them constantly about buying a title, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Most of the squad are actually locals or juniors who’ve returned to Maitland, while others have come through the organisation’s development pathways.

One thing I do know, Lantry would not swap Dan Langbridge, Will Nieuwenhuise, Matt Soper-Lawler, Gary Anderson, James Bradley, Chad O’Donnell, Brock Lamb, Jayden Butterfield, Alex Langbridge, James Taylor, Reid Alchin, Lincoln Smith, Sam Anderson, Luke Knight, Harrison Spruce, Faitotoa Faitotoa, Mitchell Cullen or Daniel Ticehurst for anyone else.

Well done Northstars on a brilliant year

Although their season is officially over, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the efforts of the Newcastle Northstars in the Australian Ice Hockey League in 2023.

Seeing packed houses at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium for home matches was outstanding.

Although you just fell short of a title, well done on a brilliant year.

For more sports stories:

• Knights stalwart Fitzgibbon deserves to leave a winner
• Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation
• REAL NRL: Wests ask for ‘please explain’ after U19’s GF ‘howler’

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The former Socceroo, who’s resuming the managing role for 2023/24, will kick off the club’s A-League Women’s campaign with an old-fashioned “road trip” to enable the girls to gel as soon as possible.

Already, Newcastle has recruited Melina Ayres, Cassidy Davis, Alex Huynh, Rebecca Burrows, Gema Simon, Lorena Baumann, Maggie Shaw, Kiara Rochaix, Sophie Hoban, Lara Gooch, Lauren Allan, Claudia Cicco, Izzy Nino and Libby Copus-Brown, with more signings to come.

But, first, the Jets will head north-west this month for a TOUR fuelled by Greater Bank.

They’ll visit primary schools in Gunnedah on Friday 22 September before hosting a Jets:PLAY clinic for 200 boys and girls aged between five and 14 at Geoff Morgan Fields.

On Saturday 23 September, Newcastle will play a friendly against Northern NSW Select at Tamworth’s Scully Park as part of the festivities surrounding the Northern Inland grand finals.

An open training session on Sunday 24 September wraps up proceedings.

“We’re very fortunate having Greater Bank and Whitehaven Coal on board… to help us plan a trip away, which is pretty important for us,” van Egmond said.

“We’ll attend a few schools, meet the kids, then play the following day before a session on the Sunday.

“That will enable us to bond as a group and get to know each other a little bit more.

“And, obviously, we’ll fit in some quality footballing as well.

“It’s a very short pre-season, so we must make sure that we get that time and utilise it to its full advantage.”

Van Egmond admitted he was pleased with how the squad was shaping up.

“We’ve probably got a couple of spots left but, overall, we’re very happy with the recruitment,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“Everyone’s looking forward to a good season.

“It’s fantastic to see Gema (Simon) come back and Libby (Copus-Brown) has been over in England for a couple of years now.

“So, I’m delighted they’ve returned to the area, which is what we want.

“I think, from a team perspective, the type of football that we can produce is important so that fans can resonate with it and get excited with it.

“We have some very good, exciting players within our ranks.

“Obviously, Melina (Ayres) is a proven striker in this league, so that’s fantastic.

“The international players will not only add that bit of difference but experience as well.

“I believe it’ll be great… and we’ll get more of an idea of how everything looks as we get closer to the beginning of the season, which is only five weeks away.

“Our first match is against derby rivals Central Coast Mariners at Industree Group Stadium on Saturday 14 October.”

Van Egmond hopes the buoyant mood from his daughter Emily’s efforts in the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, and that of the Matildas, as well as Newcastle Knights’ surge in the NRL, carries through to the Jets’ ALW squad.

“There’s a real [sporting] buzz around the place at the moment, for a number of reasons,” he said.

“However, if you look at the times that there’s been success with any franchise that’s been within Newcastle, they get well and truly supported by the Novocastrian faithful.

“So, it would be nice to feel that, too.

“We want to try and ensure that we are successful… and that we attract that support as well.

“But, to do it, you must earn it.

“We’re looking forward to working hard and producing the goods on the field.”

For more sports stories:

• Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation
• Simon, Baumann, Shaw join Jets’ ALW ranks
• Knights stalwart Fitzgibbon deserves to leave a winner

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However, departing stalwart Lachlan Fitzgibbon deserves to leave a winner when the Newcastle Knights begin its NRL Telstra Premiership 2023 Finals Series this weekend.

The local product, and nephew of former Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, will part ways with the club at the end of the season after signing a three-year contract with the Warrington Wolves in the UK Super League.

But, in the meantime, the second-rower’s focused on finishing off the Canberra Raiders’ campaign when the two sides meet in the eliminator at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 10 September.

Newcastle heads into the clash with stunning momentum, having last lost a game in June.

“That won’t count for anything if we don’t deliver this weekend,” Fitzgibbon said.

“Over the past nine weeks, we haven’t deviated from the plan.

“In fact, we’ve been training just as hard as we were at the start of the season.

“We have done the exact same things… and everyone’s bought into what we need to do to win, not only the finals but the big dance.

“It’s a whole new competition, which begins on Sunday.

“However, we’re all looking forward to it, especially playing at home in front of 30,000 people.

“We’ve trained strongly all week and I think the boys will be cherry ripe for Canberra.

“I know I’m feeling fresh after a couple of matches off, due to a shoulder injury.

“So, for me, even though I wanted to play, it’s probably been a blessing in disguise.”

It’s a far cry from when Fitzgibbon, a South Newcastle Lions junior, began his illustrious career with the Knights.

He made his NRL debut in round 21, in 2015, against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Sadly, the team finished last on the table.

But, since then, he’s donned the red and blue jersey on more than 100 occasions and become a fan favourite, often raising the profile of the club throughout the Hunter community.

“I’m a proud Novocastrian, always will be,” Fitzgibbon said.

“For me, it’s super special finishing this year on a high… and the vibes we’ve created here.

“I guess, from a personal perspective, it’s more meaningful looking back from the start, when we collected three wooden spoons to now and securing our first home final since 2006.

“What a way for me to go out.

“Hopefully, it’ll will continue after this weekend… up until the big one.”

Fitzgibbon is quick to point out it hasn’t been all doom and gloom either.

He played in Newcastle’s 2020 and 2021 finals series, too.

“That was certainly a different time,” he said.

“In 2020, we had that long break due to COVID-19.

“While we were tracking well, I’m certain we played South Sydney in front of a 50% capacity stadium in Sydney.

“We led comfortably (possibly 18-0) early on but, just before half-time, we had a couple of micro sleeps and the Rabbitohs scored a couple of late tries.

“They then ended up beating us 46-20 in the end.

“In 2021, we were in the pandemic bubble again.

“This time, we travelled to Rockhampton and faced a good Parramatta side, which almost knocked out Penrith (the following week).

“The Eels got us 28-20, however it was a tough one.

“So, we’ve had some really tight finals games.

“But, we’re a lot better team [now] and better managed.

“I honestly think we’re more well-balanced, too, than we were a few years ago.

“So, we are all looking forward to taking the next step on Sunday.”

Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders

Sunday 10 September (4.05pm) at McDonald Jones Stadium

• Newcastle Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Tyson Gamble, Jackson Hastings, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Leo Thompson, Tyson Frizell, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Adam Elliott; Kurt Mann, Daniel Saifiti, Jack Hetherington, Mat Croker, Adam Clune, Lachlan Miller, Dylan Lucas, Enari Tuala, Brodie Jones
• Canberra Raiders: Jordan Rapana, James Schiller, Jack Wighton, Matthew Timoko, Nick Cotric, Matt Frawley, Jamal Fogarty, Ata Mariota, Zac Woolford, Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young, Elliott Whitehead, Hohepa Puru; Tom Starling, Emre Guler, Pasami Saulo, Trey Mooney, Jarrod Croker, Albert Hopoate, Danny Levi, Ethan Strange, Xavier Savage

For more sports stories:

• Knights primed for a big occasion, says Crossland
• REAL NRL: Wests ask for ‘please explain’ after U19’s GF ‘howler’
• Simon, Baumann, Shaw join Jets’ ALW ranks

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That’s the advice Hunter product and Matildas star Emily van Egmond offers to any aspiring youngster who’s involved in, or thinking of taking up, the round ball game.

The gifted midfielder recently spent a couple of days at “home” with fiancée Kat Thompson catching up with family after wowing national, and international, fans at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

And, even though Australia did not claim the overall honours, the players themselves captured the hearts of everyone in the country as they reached the semi-finals for the first time in history to finish fourth.

In fact, the Matildas broke all television records, with more than 11 million people tuning in to watch their showdown with England for the chance to qualify for the decider.

“I think proud is the first word that comes to mind, now that I’ve had time to reflect on it,” van Egmond said.

“But, to have had all the support we did throughout the journey was unbelievable for us.

“The girls thrived off it in every single game.

“So, we were very humbled by it all.

“Hopefully, that’s just the start of things to come.”

While you could visibly see the disappointment on the faces of superstar skipper Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord after the team was beaten by Sweden, van Egmond is sure they’ll bounce back bigger and better.

And, fourth – out of almost 200 global sides, which contested the lead-up matches – isn’t so bad.

“One hundred per cent,” she said.

“I mean, obviously, your objective going into the tournament is to win and, without a doubt, I had the absolute confidence and belief that we could have gone all the way.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

“I think that’s all part and parcel, there’s highs and lows within football.

“Of course, we were upset… and to not really have any silverware to show for it was probably the hardest thing.

“However, at the end of the day, I think we can all hold our heads very high and just be immensely proud of the effort that we gave.”

Van Egmond confessed she could sense the Matildas were deemed for “something special”, especially with the World Cup being staged in Australia and New Zealand.

“We’ve learnt a lot over the years,” she said.

“We’re all that little bit more experienced, there’s been a core group now within the team for a while.

“To have grown up playing with one another from an early age – Sam, Caitlin and I met when we were super young – honestly helped us as well.

“For the three of us, we’ve been together ever since.

“It’s amazing to think we’ve represented our country in four World Cups.

“Being familiar with one another and all of that, and being extremely close, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I get to play football on the biggest stage with some of my best mates.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling.

“And, we have a great crop of youngsters coming through as well.”

It is a far cry from when van Egmond – at the age of five – took her twin brother Max’s place in a local team that their father, Newcastle Jets A-League Women’s coach and ex- Socceroo Gary, had signed him up for.

Afterwards, there was no stopping the former Dudley-Redhead junior.

She debuted for the Matildas at just 16 in 2010 and attended the FIFA Women’s World Cup the following season in Germany.

The now 30-year-old’s competed professionally since 2009, gaining a wealth of experience over the course of her career, having played in Australia, Denmark, Germany, England and, lately, in America, where she takes the field for San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League.

In 2021, she donned the “green and gold” in her 100th match, against Denmark.

“I always had the hopes and dreams of a little girl playing football for my country,” van Egmond told the Newcastle Weekly.

“So, to do it, again, for my fourth World Cup is something I’m extremely proud of.

“Some people mightn’t think so, but fourth in the world is huge.

“It’s a massive honour for all of us.

“And, I believe it’s shown everyone now what we’re capable of.

“Australia can become a football powerhouse.

“But, I loved every single second of kicking a ball around, growing up in the area.

“I played at Dudley-Redhead with some of the best boys… and we had the best time.

“Then, I was in all kinds of different rep teams and clubs, just looking to obviously find the right pathway for myself to get to this point.

“I’ve also been extremely fortunate enough to have my father, who’s pretty well-known within the game.

“I virtually had my own individual coach, so to speak.

“He’s been my biggest supporter and the reason as to why I’ve been able to make it to this level.”

Van Egmond admitted she loved returning to Newcastle, too.

“This is home… dad’s coaching the Jets’ A-League Women and mum (Annette) is the principal at Glendore Public School in Maryland,” she said.

“In fact, they were the real MVPs of the whole tournament.

“It’s not easy being a supporter, flying around the country, late-minute bookings and hotels, taking time off work and everything.

“So, it’s been amazing for myself to have them in the crowds, watching me, and supporting me from day dot until now.

“My entire family is incredible.

“I’ve just been so proud to be able to play a home World Cup in front of them, the entire nation and coming fourth.

“Also, I love seeing all the grassroots and the little girls running around and kicking the ball here (Newcastle).

“Hopefully, the Matildas have now left an everlasting legacy and the game is in a much better place from when we started.

“With any luck, it’s inspired every single young footballer out there.”

During her quick stopover in town, van Egmond was presented with the Key to the City by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

She’s just one of a dozen people to receive such an honour.

“It’s huge, obviously, and I’m so humbled by that… it’s massive,” she said.

“The ‘live’ sites across the Hunter, and the whole nation, have been amazing.

“We’ve also seen so much high-level support, from the AFL teams at the MCG to the Boomers barracking for us, heaps of different things.

“Everyone’s gotten around us, which has been sensational.

“If you’d asked me before the tournament if I thought it would’ve had this reach, there’s no way I would’ve said ‘yes’.

“However, it has and it’s unbelievable… I just hope it continues to stay that way.”

The Matildas, and van Egmond, seem comfortable to be role models for the next generation.

She happily signed autographs for fans – young and old – and posed for “selfies” with adoring supporters while at Nobbys Beach.

They realise they’ve changed the Australian sporting landscape, not only for football but for women’s sports as well.

“It’s been amazing to see the amount of little girls and boys who are coming up to say hi and supporting us,” van Egmond said.

“I guess they’re aspiring future footballers themselves.

“That was one of the most pleasing things to come out of this [World Cup] campaign.

“Now, there’s a scope on it and you’ve witnessed the whole nation really captured by it.

“We’re just asking everyone to stay with us and continue on the journey, with the Matildas, because I feel like we’ve definitely got more to give.”

But, the girls also require Football Australia to play its role.

The hierarchy appeared to “drop the ball” after the Socceroos’ successful stint in 2022.

“We need to put more money into the game straight away,” van Egmond said.

“Seriously, we’ve got to make sure we’re investing now from grassroots all the way up and giving young girls and boys a legitimate pathway.

“I read the other day that the Australian Government made a $200m commitment to women’s sport.

“That’s fantastic.

“However, from a football point of view, we must continue to grow the game in all facets.

“It’s the world sport for a reason… and we’ve just shown, and we’ve just seen, how many Australians got behind us throughout the prestigious tournament.

“I understand the audience numbers were massive.

“So, let’s capitalise on it.”

As for van Egmond’s immediate plans?

She’ll line up for the San Diego Wave in the US National Women’s Soccer League, with an eye on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“That’s the priority first-up,” she said.

“I can’t look too far ahead at this stage… or what I’ll do after my career ends.

“Quite simply, I love the game.

“And, I’m sure dad can give me some advice,” she added with a laugh.

“But, I’m very happy at the moment being able to be a player and doing what I love.

“So, in the meantime, I’ll just continue to give it my all, wherever I need to.”

For more sports stories:

• Simon, Baumann, Shaw join Jets’ ALW ranks
• Knights primed for a big occasion, says Crossland
• REAL NRL: Foundations for Maitland ‘dynasty’ firmly laid

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.

Another “sold out” crowd, for the third consecutive time in 2023, will welcome the in-form home side into battle against the Canberra Raiders on Sunday 10 September.

According to the NRL, more than 7,000 tickets went to fans in the first 10 minutes of going on sale on Monday morning.

Since then, that mark is veering close to 30,000.

“I can’t wait,” said Crossland, who’s enjoyed a breakout season.

“It’s been sick there [McDonald Jones] all year, even though the past two weeks have been extra special.

“Every time you run out there, it’s incredible.

“So, for it to go up another level on Sunday, it’s something I’m a bit nervous about.

“There’s going to be a lot of expectation on the team, however I can’t wait.

“Everyone in the squad has noticed the talk around town and among the fans, so we’re keen to get out there and do them proud.”

It’s a big week for Newcastle and the Hunter region.

Even though the Knights participated in the 2021 series, it’s the first finals match at McDonald Jones Stadium since 9 September 2006.

In that game, the eighth Immortal Andrew “Joey” Johns inspired a late comeback to beat the Manly Sea Eagles.

But, Newcastle heads into this current showdown on the back of a sensational run of nine successive victories, which saw it surge from 14^th place to fifth on the ladder.

Canberra, on the other hand, hung on to eighth spot despite losing its last two matches of the regular season.

“I’m super excited,” said Crossland, an Erina Eagles junior.

“It’s something new to me, so it’s pretty good… everyone’s smiling and happy.

“We’re sort of riding the wave.

“Obviously, it’s a huge few days ahead of us.

“However, we’ll just do what we’ve done, follow the processes, and negotiate each day as it comes until Sunday.

“We will be doing everything possible to put ourselves in the best position to win.”

Surprisingly, the Knights and Raiders have never met before in an NRL finals fixture.

Canberra will be without Josh Papalii (injured), Corey Horsburgh and Sebastian Kris (both suspended).

Retiring club legend Jarrod Croker is likely to replace Kris in the centres.

“The Raiders are a great team,” Crossland said.

“We’ve had some really good battles against them over the past couple of years.

“I think they’ll be just as excited as we are.

“I watched their game at the weekend and, honestly, thought they were unlucky not to win, even though it got away from them at the end.

“They played a great game of footy, they kicked into the corners and defended hard.

“It was very finals-like.

“It’ll be a really good match.”

The encounter kicks off at 4.05pm.

All games in week one of the NRL Telstra Premiership 2023 Finals Series will be broadcast on the Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, 9NOW and Sky NZ.

For more sports stories:

• REAL NRL: Wests ask for ‘please explain’ after U19’s GF ‘howler’
• Simon, Baumann, Shaw join Jets’ ALW ranks
• REAL NRL: Foundations for Maitland ‘dynasty’ firmly laid

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

The post Knights primed for a big occasion, says Crossland appeared first on Newcastle Weekly.