Northern NSW teenager Emma Dundas’ first season playing in the Liberty A-League has been a dream.
Dundas’ Newcastle Jets Women’s side has made their way to the semi-finals for the first time in club history and the youngster has played an instrumental part in their success.
On top of her team’s triumphs this season, Dundas has also kicked her own goals.
This week Dundas was named in the CommBank Junior Matildas squad for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Indonesia 2024 and announced as the Liberty A-League March nominee for the Young Footballer of the Year.
The youngster admitted she was surprised she was nominated for the prestigious award.
“I found out when I opened Instagram,” Dundas said.
“I was pretty shocked but I was happy to see that some of my hard work is paying off and getting recognised.”
In addition in her first season in Australia's top-tier of football, the midfielder was upgraded to a professional contract in January and scored her first Liberty A-League goal in the Jets' 8-0 dominant defeat over Adelaide United FC.
“It was a moment I will never forget. Scoring and getting to celebrate not only the goal but also the win was a pretty special moment,” Dundas said.
The 16-year-old has made 20 appearances for the Jets and played 69 minutes of Newcastle’s extra-time 4-2 win over Western United, which was the first finals match Dundas had played in at any level.
“It was pretty crazy, to be honest, it was my first finals ever,” Dundas.
“Heading into the game I was really nervous, but it was an exciting game to be in and a really good experience.
“The girls were there physically the whole match we were on top of the team in terms of running and our work ethic was great.”
Dundas said that the key to the success of her side has been their togetherness and credits some of the experienced heads in the group for their personal support.
“I feel like the way that we play really reflects who we are as a team,” Dundas said.
“We are very close and have each other’s back. I feel like that shows on the field in the way we play for each other and work hard for one another and reflects the dynamic of the group.
“Cass (Davis) and Alex (Huynh) have been my biggest supports. I have always been able to turn to them and they are always the first ones there to offer me advice. They have been really great for me to be able to have them as my teammates.”
The Jets now face their biggest challenge of the season, with a two-leg semi-final battle against Liberty A-League premiers Melbourne City they must win on goal count to advance to the grand final.
Dundas felt mixed emotions ahead of this weekend’s semi-final match-up but was thrilled for the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd.
“I am pretty excited, very nervous but overall, pretty excited to be involved in the team and have the opportunity to maybe play on the weekend,” Dundas said.
“It is so special for me to be playing for the club that I have grown up supporting. To make the semi-finals is really exciting and I am really grateful to be a part of this team.
The midfielder knew the importance of three points this weekend for the club and the whole northern NSW community.
“It would mean everything if we could get a win, a home win in front of our crowd and our families,” Dundas said.
"I think it would mean a lot to Newcastle as well. The fans and supporters that haven't really gotten to see this and their side play semi-finals before.”
“It would be a big thing that we obviously want to do.”
Don’t miss the Newcastle Jets Women this weekend when they host Melbourne City FC at Maitland Sportsground in the first leg of the Liberty A-League semi-finals on Sunday at 3pm.
Get your tickets HERE.
