Ninja A-League preview: Newcastle Jets oversee busy transfer period to prepare for new season

Ninja A-League preview: Newcastle Jets oversee busy transfer period to prepare for new season It’s a trip to northern New South Wales now and a look at how Newcastle Jets are shaping up ahead of the new season in our Ninja A-League preview series. Manager: Stephen Hoyle Last season: 9th Finals: DNQ Newcastle Jets looking to improve on late form last season Just two wins from their final nine games last season saw the Jets miss out on Finals football. A busy off-season of departures has ensued. Last season’s top scorers, Melina Ayres and Kelli have left for Melbourne City and Canberra United, while Lauren Allen announced her retirement last month. To add further worries to Stephen Hoyle, they lost another forward when Alexis Collins was last week ruled out of the entire season with an ACL injury. Elsewhere, Sophie Hoban has left for Torreense in Portugal and New Zealand internationals Olivia Page, Charlotte Lancaster and goalkeeper Anna Leat are also gone. Temar Levin has moved up the F3 from the Mariners, while defender Poppie Hooks joins from Western Sydney. Embed from Getty Images Forward Akeisha Sandhu signs from NPLW Victoria side Essendon Royals. The Jets will be hoping she can improve on her four goals in 25 games last season. Dallas Trinity forward Allie Thornton joins following stints in France and Belgium and is a former USL Super League Golden Boot winner. Another US import, goalkeeper Claire Henninger will add experience from her time in Portugal to what will be a very different looking back line this season. The retentions of Tash Prior, Emma Dundas, Libby Copus-Brown and Cass Davis will offer some continuity, but their season may hinge on whether they have effectively replaced the goals that have walked out of the door. Related articles from Her Football Hub: Ninja A-League preview: Canberra United aim high following new owner takeover Ninja A-League preview: Melbourne Victory hoping for more competitive silverware push Ninja A-League preview: Premiers and Champions Melbourne City eyeing another successful season