Hoffman, then 19, appeared as a 76th minute substitute in the 2007/08 A-League Grand Final, which the Jets won 1-0 over Central Coast.

The Jets went from champions to wooden spooners, before the former Australian youth-international left the club in 2010 for Melbourne Heart/City. In 2015 he returned to Newcastle, which hadn’t made the finals since 2010.

Now Newcastle and Hoffman are about to break their duck ahead of the semi-final next Friday against either Melbourne City, Victory or Adelaide United.

"I actually had this conversation with my family,” Hoffman said when asked about his 10-year wait.

Reflecting on the 2007/08 Grand Final, he added: “I was a bit naive at the time, in 06/07, being a young 19-year-old, my first year as a professional footballer.

“I didn't fully let the opportunity and occasion soak in.

“I didn’t think it would be 10 years later that I'd get the opportunity to play in a massive game.

“The last time I was involved in finals football for Newcastle was a really good moment for me in my career. I have great memories of playing finals football here.

“(Now) It's definitely two weeks where I'll enjoy the preparation and vibe.

"Hopefully we can go away and achieve something come the following Friday."

The now-29-year-old full-back said the current Jets side had a fantastic opportunity after their eight-year finals drought.

“Everyone knows the club haven’t played finals football in a long time,” he said

“To have had the season we’ve had and be rewarded with a home semi-final is fantastic.”