Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond to make special A-League comeback for Newcastle Jets
Another Matildas World Cup star will make a special comeback to the A-League – and she’ll be reunited with a very familiar face.
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Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond will play four A-League matches for her home club Newcastle, which is coached by her father.
Van Egmond has just finished her season with San Diego Wave in the American National Women’s Soccer League.
The Newcastle local is no stranger to the A-League having made 59 appearances for the club since her debut in 2008.
It will be a big boost for the Jets, coached by van Egmond’s father Gary, who have recorded just one win and a draw from their opening four matches.
The midfielder joins a growing list of national players in the domestic competition alongside Kyah Simon, Lydia Williams, Cortnee Vine, Emily Gielnik and Elise Kellond-Knight.
It is not uncommon for players from the NWSL to rejoin the A-League during their usual off season to keep up match minutes in between international games – especially with an Olympics on the horizon.
The news comes as A-Leagues confirmed that fellow Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry would not be playing in the Australian domestic competition this season despite finishing her contract with her Swedish club and being unable to join a UK or American team until the new year.
Van Egmond will play just four games this season, starting with this weekend’s clash against Melbourne City.
Newcastle Jets executive chairman Shane Mattiske said the Matildas star would be a great mentor to the side’s younger players.
Jets captain Cass Davis said it was great to have the legend back home.
“The team and I are beyond excited to have Emily here with us for the next few games,” Davis said.
“She has had an extensive career so far at the highest level, with a lot of players including myself, look up to her.
“We’re looking forward to playing with her and learning from her. I believe that we have a number of talented young players in this squad and by having someone of Emily’s stature involved in the team it will only benefit their development this season.”
Emily will wear the number five jersey and will be available to play this Sunday against Melbourne City at Newcastle’s No. 2 Sportsground.
Originally published as Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond to make special A-League comeback for Newcastle Jets
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