Newcastle Jets co-captain Cassidy Davis driven for success in 2021-22 A-League Women

The 27-year-old is eyeing her ninth season with the club and is closing in on her 100^th appearance in A-League Women, and said there was a fresh enthusiasm as the Jets prepare for a fast start and strong showing in their round-one clash with Sydney at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on December 4.

"I feel like there's a little bit more drive," Davis said.

"After being off for so long, it kind of brings that love back again. We play two seasons a year, so sometimes it gets tough and you don't get much of a break.

"I think the COVID interruption actually helped and the girls have come in with lots of energy and they're all buzzing. There's a really good vibe amongst the group at the moment."

Also driving the group is the desire for improved results after last season finishing second-last and collecting the wooden spoon in the campaign before.

"We're pretty disappointed with where we've come in the last couple of years, so, especially for the girls who have been here for a long time, we can't keep saying that we're developing," Davis said. "It's time for us older ones to step up and there's no excuses, as [coach] Ash [Wilson] always says to us."

The addition of internationals for the first time since the 2018-19 season has Newcastle eyeing a return to finals after a three-year absence.

The Newcastle Herald understands exciting Norwegian attacker Marie Markussen has arrived in Newcastle with another international still to be announced.

Wilson moved closer to completing her squad of 18 after the signing of young midfielder Bethany Gordon, announced on Friday, put 16 players on the books.

Gordon is a former Young Matilda who has played for Canberra United and more recently in Denmark.

Wilson expected the newest recruit to bring versatility and competition to the squad.

"Bethany has a great work-rate and clear technical quality," Wilson said.

"She had consistent and impressive performances when playing for Macarthur in the NSW NPL Women's, and she has also played in the W-League, in Denmark, and toured with the Young Matildas.

"She brings a level of experience and composure into the squad and a strong competitive drive that will add value to our environment."

The full A-League Women's draw was released during the week. Newcastle's first home game will be against newcomers Wellington Phoenix at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 10.

The addition of Phoenix gives each team 14 games this season, two more than in the past.

Five of the Jets' home games will be played at their preferred No.2 Sportsground.

"We love No.2," Davis said. "The crowd there is amazing and we feel it a bit more at No.2 than at the stadium, just because of the size.

"We're pretty happy with the games and our draw is pretty good as well. There's no long trip to Perth. It's just good to get a draw out, especially for the girls working and needing to schedule everything.

"Fourteen games really isn't that many, but it's better than 12. We know that it's a short season and you've got to take off on a good foot, otherwise you could fall too far behind and then you're constantly relying on wins and other results."

The first four rounds of the season will be played under a conference system, before the relaxation of state borders and quarantine rules allows for the draw to return to a national basis.

More games at some of the country's leading football venues and expanded broadcast coverage were among the highlights when the full A-League Women's draw was released on Tuesday.

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