The 14-year-old was a member of the Manning futsal under 15 girl's team that took out the State club championship in Penrith. Manning dominated the tournament.

Saffron was named in the All Stars at the conclusion of the championship. The All Stars are voted as the five best players in the tournament.

Saffron is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, the first for 2020.

She was a member of the Manning side that won the State under 12s back in 2018 and was runner up in the same age group in 2016. Saffron also made the All Stars after the 2018 success.

As such Saffron expected Manning to be among the leading contenders for honours this year, she admits the team's superiority was something of a surprise.

The weather was certainly more conducive to futsal this year. In other seasons the championships were played in heatwave conditions.

"This year it was actually a bit cold,'' Saffron said.

She's been contacted about nominating for an Australian team to play overseas later in the season. However, she went to Spain two years ago and thinks it is unlikely she'll put her name forward this year.

"Its going to be busy, so I don't think I'll be going anywhere,'' she said.

Instead Saffron will be concentrating on a big season with the Newcastle Jets in the National Premier League. She'll be playing in the under 17 division with the Jets under 16s. (The Jets sides always play up a division).

RELATED:

Defence paves way for national championship win

Training has already started for the season that kicks off in early March. Saffron has to be in Newcastle for training once a week along with travelling south for matches on weekends.

She accepted an invitation to join the Jets last year after she was spotted playing in national championships with Football Mid North Coast. Her training schedule will be somewhat easier this season.

"We trained three times a week last year,'' she explained.

However, a change in structure means that two sessions are held in the mornings this year and Saffron is unable to attend.

Even so, it is an arduous campaign with all the travel involved.

"I do get pretty tired,'' Saffron said.

"But at last I can sleep on the trip home."

Saffron usually plays as a holding midfield. She admits it was 'a bit different' last year getting accustomed to the Jets' playing style but is more confident going into 2020.

"We'll be playing much bigger and more experienced sides,'' she said.

"But we have some good players. We should go alright.''

Her aim for this year is to impress selectors at the national championships to be held in Coffs Harbour. This will be an identification tournament for selection in the Junior Matildas Camp.

Ultimately, Saffron's ambition is to play in the W-League with the Jets.