2015/16 W-League Coach of the Year Craig Deans has kept faith with local Newcastle products with his latest signings for the Newcastle Jets 2016/17 W-League season.

Eight players for Season 8's squad have been retained with Cassidy Davis, Brooke Miller, Claire Coelho, Clare Wheeler, Libby Copus-Brown, Sophie Nenadovic, Jenna Kingsley and Rhali Dobson all set to line up again in Season 9.

“As a group, they bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the side and all have matured in both attitude and ability since last season,” said Deans.

“We have some real talent amongst these girls, as evidenced by Sophie (Nenadovic) and Clare’s (Wheeler) selection in the Young Matilda’s camp next week.”

The eight players, returning captain Gema Simon and Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo form the nucleus of Deans' side who, despite playing some attractive football during the season, fell just short of their first finals series since 2008.

“The girls who have played in Sydney were eager to get back into Newcastle colours, whilst all of the WPL players are backing up from a big year with Rhali instrumental in Adamstown’s Premiership win, Libby and Jenna featuring in Wallsend’s Grand Final side, as did Cassidy in Warners Bay’s Grand Final squad who took out the WPL Grand Final,” Deans continued.

“They are coming into the Jets side on a real high after their respective domestic competitions and I’m confident this will be a real positive for the side.”

While a majority of the Season 8 squad will return, the Jets aren't without their losses.  Vice-captain, and the Jets all-time leading goalscorer, Tara Andrews will not line up this year for the first time since debuting in 2009.  Meanwhile the Jets will undergo a defensive re-shuffling with full back Georgia Yeoman-Dale at Sydney FC, central defender Hannah Bromley (NZ) not returning and goalkeeper Hannah Southwell leaving football.

Not resting on the losses, Deans and the Jets are close to securing the return of key American duo Megan Oyster (centre back) and Caprice Dydasco (midfield).  Both players are currently involved in this weekend's NWSL Championship game with their team Washington Spirit taking on Alanna Kennedy's Western New York Flash.

Up front, the Jets are also close to finalising a deal with an American striker who could provide the finish in the front third to propel Newcastle into the finals.

Newcastle commences their season away from home against defending champions Melbourne City on 6 November 2016.