Maitland FC midfielder Sophie Nenadovic is one of the NPL Women’s NNSW competition’s most influential players, capable of changing the tempo of a match with her presence alone.
But after nearly a decade in professional football and years commuting to Sydney to play in the NPL NSW competition, Nenadovic’s return to Newcastle has become about more than just her own career.
It has also become part of the broader growth of women’s football in northern NSW.
Nenadovic joined Maitland in 2024 following the conclusion of her A-League Women’s contract with the Central Coast Mariners, bringing with her years of professional experience gained across the A-League Women’s and NPL NSW competitions.
Across eight seasons in professional football, Nenadovic made 37 appearances for the Newcastle Jets after making her debut as a 15-year-old against Sydney FC, while also scoring her first league goal against Perth Glory.
But despite enjoying five successful seasons with Manly United in Sydney, the midfielder felt the timing was right to return home.
“The [NPL] NNSW competition has been really good. Previously to get a stronger competition, unfortunately, you had to commute down to Sydney,” Nenadovic said at the 2026 NPL Women’s NNSW season launch.
“So I spent five seasons at Manly [United FC] and I loved it down there but I'm really glad now that I can come back to Newcastle and help build the league here.
“The competition is already quite strong now and just building every season. I think it's gone from strength to strength every year and there's going to be even more strength this season and it'll just keep building.”
As one of the competition’s most experienced players, Nenadovic has also helped bring professional standards into Maitland’s growing program.
“The standards are obviously really high [in the A-League] and the intensity and the environment that you're in is amazing,” Nenadovic said.
“But I'm glad to be able to bring that back to the league, especially to Maitland.
“Obviously it's not going to be the same but to be able to try and drive it in that direction has been good and I really feel valued at Maitland, which has helped contribute to my good performances.”
For Nenadovic, finding the right club environment has proven just as important as football itself.
Over the last three seasons, Maitland has quickly become a second home, with the midfielder playing a central role during one of the club’s most successful periods.
Nenadovic has helped guide Maitland to the 2024 premiership, the club’s first appearance in the NPL Women’s NNSW grand final in 2025 and victory in the 2026 HMRI Charity Shield.
“I like to find a home where I play and be committed to a club and I think I've found that at Maitland,” Nenadovic said.
“They've been really welcoming from day one and I just love the culture within the club itself.
“We've got a great program right from JDL all the way up to first grade and the younger girls are coming through.
“At the [HMRI] Charity Shield, quite a few of the reserve grade girls got their opportunity and some of them even got on the score sheet.
“So I think it's a really positive step that the club is making and it's exciting knowing that we've got that depth.”
As the NPL Women’s NNSW competition continues to strengthen, players like Nenadovic are helping prove that elite-level football pathways can continue to grow in northern NSW without talented players needing to leave home.
Watch Sophie and Maitland FC take on Lake Macquarie City at Cooks Square Park on Sunday 15 May.