A-League Women: Newcastle Jets coach Ash Wilson expects Norwegian signing Marie Markussen to cause some damage

Wilson believes the club's latest signing can prove a game-changer as the Jets eye a return to finals for the first time since 2017-18. That season they produced 26 goals to finish third.

Last campaign they finished eighth, scoring 14 goals. In 2019-20, the Jets only found the back of the net 12 times in as many outings and were last.

Markussen has signed with the Jets on a four-month contract and heads to Australia after helping Valerenga win the Norway Women's Cup on Sunday. The 24-year-old scored in the 2-1 win over Sandviken.

The strike weapon has amassed 33 goals in her professional career and has made three appearances for the national team.

"The big thing that came out of last year was that we wanted to add a bit more depth, a bit more quality and experience," Wilson said.

"I'm thankful that the club and the owners have heard the things we've been talking about and we've had the opportunity to bring Marie in.

"Anyone who's had that kind of experience is going to add to your squad. She's been scoring goals in her league, including in their cup final, so she's proven to be able to do those things on a quality stage.

"The hope is she'll come here, she'll enjoy her football here and she'll be able to add a little bit more threat up front for us. She looks like a player who is going to be able cause a bit of damage in this league and that's what I'm expecting her to do."

The prospect of Markussen linking up with Newcastle's all-time leading scorer Tara Andrews in the final third is a tantalising one. Throw in returning forwards Lauren Allan, Sunny Franco, Jemma House and Sophie Harding and the Jets' front third is looking dangerous.

"We've got people there to do jobs and we've got people there to play off each other," Wilson said. "The more time they get together, the better the relationships that will form, and we're hoping that transfers into being more clinical and being more effective up front."

The Jets open their season against Sydney FC at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on December 4.

Their first home game will be against newcomers Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 10 as part of an A-League double-header with their male counterparts.

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