Jacob Dowse shot into the A-League after signing his first professional contract with Perth Glory for the 2022/23 season.
Dowse made headlines again in the Hunter this year when it was announced that he would be returning home after signing with the Newcastle Jets.
The Novocastrian is happy to be home and is eager to break into the Jets' starting side.
“It’s great, there’s nothing like home,” Dowse said.
“I loved my time in Perth but when the opportunity came up to return to Newcastle, I jumped on it straight away. There is nothing better than being around your friends and family, that helps off the field as well as on the field.
“I’m probably the fittest I’ve been in a long time. I’m still trying to adjust to how Rob wants to play, it’s a little different to what I’m used to and position wise but I feel like I am coming along well and hopefully, I will get my opportunity.
“I just want to play as much as possible and help the team succeed. Obviously, I got a few assists last year off the bench for Perth, so hopefully I can do the same here and maybe add some goals. I just hope the team wins some games and does well.”
The 23-year-old always hoped that his career would lead him back to Newcastle but never imagined it would happen so soon.
“I wouldn’t say I thought it would happen but I would say that I manifested it in a way. I’ve always wanted to come back and that was always not the plan but I knew in the back of my head that maybe if I had a good year and a good season that there was a possibility of coming back. Hence when the opportunity came up, I jumped on it,” Dowse said.
Dowse was given a taste of playing in front of a home crowd, featuring in the Jets Australia Cup match against Brisbane Roar in August.
“It was good, monkey off the back type thing just to play my first minutes for the Jets and kind of get that over and done with and now focus on getting regular minutes and trying to get into the squad,” Dowse said.
“It was a very special moment all of my family were there, so it was very special.”
Dowse is looking forward to the opportunity to play at home in front of a home crowd when the Jets take on Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday in a blockbuster double-header.
“I’m very excited. Hopefully, I’ll be out there on the pitch. I’ve only played at McDonald Jones Stadium once and it was for Perth, so it will be good to be on the other side of it and have the home crowd behind me this time. I am looking forward to it very much,” Dowse said.
“There’s nothing like when you’ve got the home crowd behind you. You don’t realise how much of a difference it can make and how much it can impact the vibes and the boys give a little bit extra which is sometimes what you need. Especially against the Wanderers, it will be a tough task.”
The Newcastle Jets A-League Men and A-League Women teams will take on Western Sydney Wanderers in a double-header on Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium. The men kick off at 3pm followed by the women at 5:45pm.
Buy your tickets HERE.
