Now part of a Jets squad relying on young local talent like her, the 21-year-old is keen to make a lasting impression this season.

And the midfielder is confident the Jets can compensate for their lack of marquee players with strong team culture.

Newcastle continue their pre-season with a first trial against an opposing club when they take on Sydney at Wagga Wagga on Sunday afternoon.

The hit-out against a club rich with international talent will give Newcastle a taste of what to expect in their season-opener against Melbourne City on November 17 at No.2 Sportsground.

City, who had already recruited former Jets skipper Emily van Egmond, on Tuesday announced the signing of Matildas livewire Ellie Carpenter.

In a stark contrast, the Jets will not have imports or big-name recruits this season after a cut in spending.

Copus-Brown, though, believed the tight-knit Jets were up for the challenge.

"I'm not really worried about what other teams are doing," Copus-Brown said of the Carpenter signing.

"I'm just really focused on our team and I'm really confident, regardless if we don't have big names, that we've got a really good team culture and that can make a huge difference.

"I've played with some of these girls for a really long time now and I think that makes a huge difference, knowing how each other plays.

"This is probably one of the best seasons culture-wise that I've ever been involved with and I'm pretty excited for what we're going to bring to this season.

"It's very local and very young, but I think that is something we need to use to our advantage.

"It's a good feeling to have good friends around you when you're playing and that sort of comes off on the field."

The change in direction will give players like Copus-Brown, who was often used off the bench in previous seasons, an opportunity to prove their worth as a regular starter.

"I definitely want to cement that position in the middle and really give to the team whatever I can give," she said.

Copus-Brown, who played for Wallsend in the Herald Women's Premier League in the winter, is hoping to push for a midfield position alongside Jets 2018-19 player of the year Clare Wheeler in coach Craig Deans' squad.

And while her long-range strike against Sydney last season, which was an W-League goal of the month, will give her confidence for 2019-20, Copus-Brown knew there was work ahead to become a consistent contributor.

"It does [give me confidence] but like Deansy said, that's not really my job to score goals, I'm more of a playmaker, so I better do as I'm told," she laughed.

"I'm really excited for this season. I've been in the gym, everyone has been in the gym, training has been really good. Everyone is happy and it's a really good feeling."

As for expectations within the squad for the season, she said: "I don't think we would be there if we didn't expect to win and I know everyone wants to win and I know we can do that if we put our mind to it, so I'm expecting big things."