Quick Facts
Biography
Gema Simon (born 19 July 1990) is an Australian international football (soccer) player who plays for Newcastle Jets.
Early life
Simon was born in Armidale, New South Wales. She is an Indigenous Australian, and grew up the eldest of three siblings. Her cousin, Kyah Simon, is also an Australian international footballer. Gema started playing football aged five.
Career
Club
Simon was a member of the inaugural Newcastle Jets team in the W-League in 2008–09.
In May 2013, Simon joined USL W-League side Ottawa Fury. She was not paid for her time at the club, but did receive off-field assistance. She suffered an injury one month into the season and did not recover during her remaining two months with the side.
In 2013, Simon was given the captaincy of the Jets. She was awarded the Jets' Player of the Year award for the 2013–14 season
After captaining Newcastle Jets in the 2013–14 season, Simon joined Melbourne Victory alongside Hannah Brewer.
In October 2015, Simon re-joined the Newcastle Jets.
After a rewarding season with Newcastle Jets, Simon signed a deal to play the winter season with Suwon in the WK League.
After her loan at Suwon, Simon was announced as captain of Newcastle Jets once more.
International
In mid-2009, Simon was called up to the Australia under-20 team for the 2009 AFC U-19 Women's Championship. She made her debut for the side in a pre-tournament friendly against South Korea in July 2009.
Simon was first called up to the Australian senior side for the 2014 Cyprus Cup. She made her debut for the team in March 2014, playing a full match in a loss to Scotland in the Group Stage of the tournament. She was again included in the Australia squad for the 2015 Cyprus Cup.
Honours
Individual
- Newcastle Jets Player of the Year: 2009–10, 2013–14
- Kerry, Craig. "Gema Simon relieved to make Matildas training squad". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- "Brillante named Jets Player of the Year". Melbourne City FC. 13 April 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2016.