They also had multiple convincing chances in the first half to widen the scoreline, including two long balls from Amber Brooks which released Veronica Latsko to go one-on-one against the Jets keeper, but both skimmed the side-netting.

The second half saw the intensity turned up as Adelaide became more desperate with each passing minute for a goal, while the Jets absorbed pressure and waited for opportunities to pounce on the counter.

Newcastle found plenty of joy along the flanks, but especially through Collister as she was able to outmuscle her markers and cause problems in Adelaide’s defensive half.

However, neither teams were able to break down each other’s disciplined defence.

Adelaide would rue over their finishing, as more solid chances go begging with Latsko’s header off a corner crashing into the crossbar in the 66th minute, and Jónsdóttir scuffed her shot after being released by a through-ball from Heyman and it rolled harmlessly wide of the goal.

The visitors had the last say of the game though, through Panayiota Petratos who put the Jets one-up in additional time with her first ever W-League goal. She slammed home the game-winning goal after Willacy’s clearance of Renee Pountney’s shot landed perfectly at her feet.

Adelaide head coach Ivan Karlovic reflected on the missed opportunities post-game.

“We’re just disappointed that we couldn’t get something out of the game. We didn’t capitalise on the opportunities that we had.”

Regardless of not being able to make finals, Karlovic is proud of the massive improvements his team has made this season.

“It’s always a difficult one, because you are pleased but also disappointed. We set the benchmark high [for ourselves] when we started to go places, and we made some huge inroads in that area.”

“I think we gave ourselves the best possible chance. I think we surprised a lot of teams, but sometimes, you just don’t get the rub of the green and it just doesn’t go your way unfortunately.”

Newcastle now fly home with satisfaction and pride in themselves to face off against bottom team Western Sydney Wanderers, while Adelaide are left thinking how close within reach finals football would have been, as they host Brisbane Roar at home next week.