PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Number 8 for the Jets is Emma Stanbury! A Hunter girl at heart, 25-year-old Emma is pleased to be headed back to the area that she considers home!
“I’m originally from Tamworth… I am a Hunter girl, so this team makes perfect sense.”
“It’s always been so close to my heart and my preferred choice of team. Every time I put the Jets jersey on I do it with pride and passion.”
Beginning her footballing journey aged seven for the Emu Plains Crocodiles, Stanbury has always had a focus to progress and improve her footballing career especially after she was scouted by the Newcastle Jets two years ago.
However, was unlucky amongst a strong side to not get much game time.
In her off season, Stanbury played for Sydney University in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s 1st grade side where she was coached by Heather Garriock who invested a lot of time into Stanbury’s game play.
Stanbury credits her time with the Ex-Matilda as she believes she has developed a lot as a player through the experience of being led by Garriok.
“Heather took me under her wing and put a lot of time and energy into making me the footballer that I had the potential to be.”
“She pushed me into the right direction to get noticed by the Newcastle Jets again and I am greatly thankful for that as well as thankful to be given another opportunity in the squad.”
Commencing her second Westfield W-League season with the Jets, Stanbury has already made an impression on coach Craig Deans.
“Emma came in and trialled in the pre-season; she trained well and performed well and was rewarded with a contract.”
“She has started well, having scored against Victory in round 2,” Deans commended his player.
With sealing her first goal for the team Stanbury labelled the experience as a personal highlight – “it would definitely have to be up there!”
Stanbury has high hopes for the team this season, and rightfully so, “this team is special with a great bunch of girls and fantastic coaching staff all with the same goal in mind – top four!”
ON THE FIELD:
Emma is an energetic vice to the Jets side. She adds a lot of creativity to the Jets game play, which will prove imperative as the season progresses.
Emma’s hard work is emphatic and as a result she’s placed in a position where both her untiring play and creativity thrives on the field, allowing Stanbury the opportunity to express herself, which often works in her favour.
OFF THE FIELD:
When away from the field, Stanbury likes to remain fit and active, frequently hopping on her ‘bike and going for a ride to find new cafes’. If not delving into Newcastle’s newest restaurants, Stanbury will be found taking her ‘beautiful puppy, Luka, down to Nobby’s beach for a swim’ or catching a horror movie!
