MATT Millar is itching for the Newcastle Jets to return to team training ahead of the anticipated restart of the A-League in July.
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But it's the future beyond this season that really excites the 23-year-old wingback.
"We were really starting to put together some good performance and climb up the table when the league was suspended," Millar said. "It could not have been a bigger momentum stopper. We are in a good position when we go back and could make an unlikely charge at the finals. It's a bit out of our control depending on other results.
"I have loved playing under [new coach] Carl [Robinson] even though it has only been a few weeks. Whether it is this year or next year, we are in a good position with the squad and coaching staff. I think we have massive chance next season."
Millar, has scored four goals and provided two assists in 22 games, has a season to run on his contract.
He and long-term partner, Olivia Blignaut, have bought a house in Adamstown Heights. Olivia is a trainee accountant at Newcastle firm Bell Partners and Millar would welcome the chance to play out his career at the Jets.
"We loved Newcastle from the moment we got here," Millar said. "I have another year on my contract and hopefully more. We really do want that security. Knowing where you will be and settling in. Have an understanding that you are not going to leave the job or place and really set yourself up. That is a massive thing."
Millar has been using the downtime to renovate the house, which they bought in January.
"It has been a good way to fill in time," he said. "We have updated the toilet and are working on the bathroom and kitchen now. I am on the phone to dad most days, saying what do I do here."
Millar has also been following a training program and got a football fix during a trip to Melbourne to visit family.
"I went to back to Melbourne for a couple of weeks, which was nice," he said. "It worked out well because a lot of my brothers were off school and off work and staying at home. It was good to catch up with them.
"At that point, you could only train with your family members. It helps when you have seven brothers and two sisters. We played five-v-five in the backyard."
Now Millar is keen to get back to work alongside his teammates.
"It is a good sign that the other codes, AFL and rugby league, are paving the way and showing that we can come back to training," he said. "Hopefully we are just around the corner."
The Jets have been really good. The strength and conditioning coach Brice and physio Nathan Renwick have been working us through things. It has been easy to keep fit because we have had constant contact with the staff. It's just hard to replicate match fitness."
