Kirsty Fenton has been soaking up every minute of her first pre-season as a Newcastle Jets player.
The 18-year-old has been identified as a rising talent of Australian football with a place in the Future Matildas program, which helps develop the next generation of the nation's elite players.
And after several seasons working her way through the Jets Academy program, the Blackalls Park defender has also earned a national league contract.
It is something she plans to make the most of.
"Having been in the Jets Academy and around that environment since under 11s, it's always been such a goal of mine to especially play for my home team," Fenton said.
"And to see all of that hard work has paid off, for not only me but my parents and the coaches who put in all of that time and effort over the years, it's something really special.
"Hopefully, I get time on the field this season and get to show everything that I've been working hard for."
The Jets launch their 2021-22 A-League Women's season against defending premiers Sydney at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Saturday and coach Ash Wilson has said starting spots remain up for grabs.
The Jets back four of long-serving duo Gema Simon and Hannah Brewer plus Taren King and Tess Tamplin was fairly settled last season.
But the departure of but Tamplin, who was among the Jets' most consistent players in her right fullback role last year, to Swiss Women's Super League champions Servette has opened the door for someone else.
"Players like Gema, Hannah and Cass [Davis] are all girls I've looked up to this whole time as I was growing up and being a footballer," Fenton said.
"To now say that I'm rocking up with them in the change rooms and getting ready for training and games is such an amazing thing that I get to look forward to every single day.
"My goal this year is just working hard to get game time. Just to put on the jersey and be able to walk out on the field with the girls after the hard work we've been putting in this pre-season."
Fenton described the rise in intensity at training from Jets Academy to ALW level as "massive" but said the Jets' pre-season had been a welcome distraction while the Hunter Sports High year 12 student has been doing her HSC exams.
"It's a major step that you've just got to adapt to ... but it's been good to get to training and have a laugh with the girls," she said.
"I want to get every experience that I can and just learn from all of the other girls."
