The Newcastle Jets are delighted to announce the upgrade and extension of Dimi Petratos’ contract, which will keep him in the Hunter until at least the end of the Hyundai A-League 2021/22 season.
It’s fantastic news for football fans in Newcastle, with Petratos locked in long-term as he looks to build on the fantastic form that led him to a spot in the Australian squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Petratos dominated the Club’s 2017/18 awards in a career-best season; winning the Ray Baartz Medal, A-League Player of the Year, Member’s Player of the Year and joint Hyundai A-League Golden Boot winner.
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It was just reward for a fantastic season, where Dimi played a direct role in 19 of the Jets 59 goals – scoring 10 and laying on nine assists.
This contract extension and upgrade will ensure that Petratos is playing his football in Newcastle ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
It’s a credit to the hard work which the attacker has been putting in on the training ground, and he said he’s looking forward to giving his all for the next four seasons.
“I’ve started my family here in Newcastle, I’ve felt the support from the entire football community and it really does feel like home,” Petratos said.
“The way the Club has supported me and my family since we arrived has been special, my brothers and sister are also at the Jets and we’ve loved our time here.
“Obviously playing in Newcastle helped earn me a spot in the Socceroos squad, with Ernie’s influence and our attacking style of play being a big part of that.
“He wants us to play with freedom in the final third and encourages an attacking mindset, it’s already helped me improve and I want that to continue over the next four years.”
Jets boss, Ernie Merrick was thrilled to have secured the services of the explosive attacker.
“Dimi was one of our best last season, and he was duly rewarded with a spot in the World Cup squad,” Merrick said.
“He’s made his international debut while playing his football here in Newcastle and is a big part of the club going forward, both on and off the park.
“The fans would have seen how good he’s looking during the pre-season and that comes down to his tenacious work ethic and desire to continue improving – I’m excited about what the future hold for Dimi here in Newcastle.”
Jets CEO, Lawrie McKinna said the signing was an indication of the positive path the club has been on over the last 18 months.
“To have a current Socceroo want to sign a three-year extension shows just how some of the country’s best players see this club,” McKinna said.
“Newcastle is now a place that players feel they can have success collectively and as individuals – Dimi is a testament to that.
“We’ve locked in some of our best players to deals beyond this season, we’re building on the successes of 2017/18 and the outlook across the Club is overwhelmingly positive.”
