Stalwart Gema Simon gets the captain's armband | (Credit: Getty Images) Stalwart Gema Simon gets the captain's armband | (Credit: Getty Images)

New Newcastle Jets Head Coach Peter McGuinness has announced his 18 player squad for the upcoming W-League season.

In his first W-League season, McGuinness has selected a side packed with local talent from the Hunter region including three current Young Matildas and one U17 Matildas representative.

“The majority of the 18 players selected have previously played for the Newcastle Jets Women, Northern NSW Football, or are currently part of the Emerging Jets program,” said McGuinness.

“The squad which has been selected displays a mixture of youth and experience with the likes of Gema Simon and Hannah Brewer in senior positions, as well as a number of Emerging Jets players who will gain their first experience playing at the level of a national competition in Libby Copus-Brown, Adriana Jones and Sophie Nenadovic."

Foundation member Gema Simon has been elevated to captain with Newcastle Jets 2012/13 Player of the Year Hannah Brewer to be her deputy.

In addition to the local players, the squad has been bolstered by the addition of Queenslanders Hannah Beard, Lauren Brown and Ashley Spina, who have previously played in the Westfield W-League with heavyweights Brisbane Roar.

Prior to the season kick off, the Jets will face Sydney FC in a trial match at 10am on Saturday 19th October at Adamstown Oval.

The Newcastle Jets begin their W-League season against last years semi finalists Perth Glory on Saturday 9 November.

Newcastle Jets 2013/14 W-League squad

Eliza Campbell, Hannah Brewer, Stacey Day, Siahn Bozanic, Ashley Spina, Gema Simon, Maddy Searl, Tara Andrews, Rhali Dobson, Grace Macintyre, Hannah Beard, Jasmin Courtenay, Sophie Nenadovic, Libby Copus-Brown, Cassidy Davis, Lauren Brown, Adriana Jones, Ainsley Buchanan