SINCE Ben Kantarovski was a kid, he has been doing what most kids dream about - playing football for his home town on the national stage.
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Kantarovski, 27, will have spent almost half his life in Jets colours by the end of his next contract in May 2022 after inking a two-year extension this week.
The Broadmeadow Magic junior joined the Jets as a trainee when aged 15, became the youngest, at 16 and 208 days, to make his A-League debut in round one of the 2008 campaign and has since racked up a club-high 187 appearances.
"When I first started, I just wanted to be able to play professional football," said Kantarovski ahead of the trip to Perth to take on the Glory on Saturday. "Who would want to leave a town like Newcastle that is so good. Then to be able to play football for that town, is something kids dream about every day.
"Every time you come up for a new contract it is always nerve wracking ... so to be a part of it for two more years is great.
"I did my apprenticeship here at Newcastle and was able to learn from many great players. When I first started Paul Okon was here, Nicky Carle, Andrew Durante ... I'm still learning now. It is good to be able to attract good players to Newcastle and still learn from them."
After losing the best part of two seasons to debilitating knee injuries, Kantarovski has played some of his best football in the past three seasons under Ernie Merrick.
"Everyone has setbacks in their career and it makes you appreciate what you have and do even more," Kantarovski said. "Now it is making sure the body is fresh. The medical staff here are top notch.
"Ernie has brought out a different style in my football. Getting a little bit older, you learn tricks and traits that you don't have as a young player. Playing regular football has been the key part of that. Playing week-in, week-out and being injury free has probably been the key part to being able to get to the next level."
Kantarovski is part of the leadership group and one of the first names Merrick puts on the teamsheet. But as "a local" his game has often come under heavy scrutiny.
"Typical Newcastle, everyone is family," he said. "You want see your family do well and when they do poorly, you bag the hell out of them. That's what happens. Its another motivation tool to make sure you do your best and achieve as much as you can."
Kantarovski was a trainee when the Jets won their lone championship in 2008 and was injured for gut-wrenching loss to Melbourne Victory in the 2018 grand final.
"The only way to get better is to strive for something new, an extra goal or that extra one per cent," Kantarovski said.
"Everyone drives each other and that's what makes a good team great. We want to be great."
