Jets Teenager Alexis Collins Finding Form After Stressful Season Start
Newcastle Jets coach Stephen Hoyle has declared the sky is the limit for rising talent Alexis Collins, with the teenager overcoming a stressful start to her second season as a scholarship player to force her way into the playing squad.
In fact, Hoyle believes it is "scary" how good the powerful forward could become. The 17-year-old, who was used just three times in Newcastle's first eight games, has now featured in seven of the Jets' 12 matches this season, starting three times, and was utilised in all of their past four games during a demanding 11-day period.
Overcoming Academic Pressure to Focus on Football
"I was doing my HSC at the start of the season, so I was a bit stressed and had my mind in other places," Collins, who is now studying nutrition at university, explained. "After that I was able to fully focus on football again, which is good, because I haven't been able to do that in the past year or so with school."
She described the relief of completing her exams, stating: "For it to finally be over was a big relief and I feel like I'm finally moving forward in football again. I kind of felt a bit static in both for a little bit." Collins believes this renewed focus helped her regain a spot in the squad, adding: "I think that helped me be able to get back into the squad, and hopefully I can keep playing because I've been really enjoying it this year."
Rapid Rise and 'Scary' Potential
At just 16, Collins was a surprise starter for the Jets in the opening two rounds last season. The Mayfield United junior and Jets Academy product went on to make eight appearances, starting three times, earning another scholarship deal. Her performances also secured a place in the Future Matildas program and a call-up to the Australian under-20 squad.
Hoyle is effusive in his praise for the young forward's attributes. "I think she has amazing potential, just physically what she can do, the speed she runs at, and she's very clever and her ability is really good," he said. "I think we've got to develop her and keep refining her into a really good forward, and for me that's a thing that I'm working on really hard ... she's always pushing senior players in our environment and she is a very good player."
The coach emphasised her long-term prospects, remarking: "It's scary to think how good she can be at 25, and I really, really mean that."
Growing Confidence and Proving Herself
Reflecting on her development, Collins contrasted this season with her debut year. "Last season was introductory, I was learning my way and figuring out what it's like at the next level," she said. "This season, I've actually been able to improve and I'm proving myself against the better players and being able to show what I've got at this high level, and I think it's showing."
She noted her increased involvement and growing self-assurance: "I'm getting more minutes and getting to play more, which has been good, and just compared to last season, I feel like I've grown in confidence."
Pushing for Selection Against Wellington
Collins is expected to be pushing for a place in the match-day squad as the Jets prepare for an important home fixture against Wellington Phoenix at No.2 Sportsground on Sunday. Newcastle, on 16 points, slipped to eighth after a 2-1 home loss to Adelaide on January 21 but are only two points behind Wellington (18 points) in second place.
The Phoenix, who drew 1-1 with the Jets in round three in Wellington, boast the league's best attacking and defensive statistics, having scored 21 goals and conceded just nine. Hoyle rotated his squad during their recent heavy schedule and now faces selection dilemmas with a full complement available this weekend.
"Everyone is available, so it will be about us now in terms of the opposition, how they play and then how we take our best foot forward to give the Phoenix a good nudge," Hoyle stated.
