Alexandro ‘Alex’ Nunes debuts for Newcastle Jets FC in Top End

A Northern Territory talent ran out for his professional debut last week as his side qualified for the Australia Cup in Darwin.

Crowd during the Australia Cup Play-Off match between Newcastle Jets and Western United. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

From the grounds at Freds Pass to MacDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, former junior Territory footballer Alex Nunes is one step closer to making his boyhood dream a reality.

A talent that was scouted at nine years old, Litchfield FC alum Nunes made his professional debut for the Newcastle Jets as he played Western United in the Australia Cup qualifiers last week.

A crafty attacking midfielder, Nunes recently signed a two-year scholarship with the club, rewarded for his solid performances with the academy and youth teams.

One of six Jets to debut on the night, Nunes came on in the 71st minute as a replacement for new signing Lachlan Rose.

While he didn’t find the back of the net, the 17-year-old was stoked to have his first run in a professional clash, even more happy to have had it happen back where his footballing journey began.

Alex Nunes (left) and Clayton Taylor of the Jets sign autographs for young fans after their Australia Cup Play-Off match against Western United. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“I was pretty nervous at the start (particularly) after I was named in the team to come (up to Darwin),” he said after the 4-1 victory.

“The squad made me feel welcome, and getting to debut in Darwin is a dream come true.

“(And debuting) with the club that I’ve been at since I was young is just awesome.

“It’s awesome to have everyone remember me and hopefully I put a smile on their face.”

A tad fatigued by the heat and higher level of intensity of the game, Nunes said he made sure to stick to what he was told and fight till the end.

“I came on in the last 20 minutes and everyone had already been working hard, it was a good time to come on,” Nunes said.

“I just had to work as hard as I could.

“And the heat really drained me, but I just kept going, putting in the work till the whistle.”

Aware that there’s still a long time to go till the A-league season gets under way, Nunes said he was determined to crack the top squad and cement his place in the side by season’s end.

“Short-term my goal is to make my A-league debut and then from there once I hopefully put together a few caps under my belt and scoring a goal would (make) it better.”