Emily Van Egmond and Amber Neilson return, as leaders leave Newcastle Jets

After a bleak season that ended with just one point, Newcastle Jets' coach Peter McGinness is hoping to build a competitive squad for Season 7 with a  greater balance of youth and experience.

The first of pieces of that puzzle are in place with the announcement of returning Matildas midfielder Emily Van Egmond, former Matildas midfielder Amber Nielson and the retention of striker Rhali Dobson.

Revealed yesterday, McGuinness is looking to the trio to bring some much needed experience to the squad.

“Rhali shows the desire to make that next step and continually be a part of football," said McGuinness.

"Emily brings a world of experience and current skill level to the team, and Amber brings back years of experience and composure in a game that has now become very structured for women.”

21 year old Van Egmond, a Newcastle native, has had an on-again / off-again relationship with the Jets.

Since debuting in the inaugural W-League season, this is the talented midfielder's third stint with her hometown club following moves to Canberra United (2009 - 2011) and the Western Sydney Wanderers (2013/14) and off season international moves to Fortuna Hjorring, Western New York Flash, the Seattle Reign and, currently, the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.

A 2011 World Cup starter and goalscorer, 2014 Asian Cup silver medallist and former Matildas' vice captain, McGuinness will be looking for Van Egmond  to drive and control the midfield.

For Neilson, who was a Jets foundation player, it is a return to the club and the W-League after retiring in January 2011.

Capped 14 times with the Matildas, injuries spelt the end of a decade of elite football with the midfielder conceding that towards the end "it was such a struggle to get back on the park".

With the Jets' squad anticipated to again be one of the youngest in the competition, Neilson is aware her experience, as a senior player and mentor, will be one vital part of her contribution.

“I hope I can have a good strong positive influence," she commented.

"Although winning is the ultimate goal, just playing and enjoying what you love to do is the greatest part about it.”

While luring Van Egmond and Neilson back to the Jets are key, the retention of Rhali Dobson is also big news for Newcastle, considering the interest in the striker.

“I made it into the Australian Matildas playing with the club, so this is my way of giving back to the local football community that has provided me with a wealth of support during the last 18 months," said Dobson.

“In a way, I am doing what many great players have done and that is sticking with my club win, lose or draw. All in all, I am just looking forward to playing and representing my home town as best I can.”

Dobson was one of the shining lights in the Jets' dark 2013/14 season.

The  22 year old was a breakthrough player as she utilised her pace to create chances and, towards the end of the season, to finish of those chances herself.

Dobson showed enough to impress then Matildas' coach Hesterine de Reus and earn a call up and maiden cap against Brazil in April 2014.

Unfortunately for the Jets it appears they have been unable to keep a hold of the services of last season's captain Gema Simon and vice captain Hannah Brewer.

Like Dobson, Simon and Brewer featured in the pre-Asian Cup Matildas camps with both earning caps.

However, The Women's Game has been informed that the defenders will be heading interstate, for the first time in their careers, and are set to join defending champions Melbourne Victory.

With defender Stacy Day sidelined with an ACL injury, McGuinness' next job is to secure some solid defenders to go with the announcements of Van Egmond, Neilson and Dobson.