Magpies coach Michael Bolch described last year's FFA Cup showing as "the experience of a lifetime" for many of Maitland's squad but "completely understands" the decision to cancel the knockout tournament and the end-of-season NPL finals amid the coronavirus crisis.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bolch's men hosted A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners at Maitland Sportsground almost 12 months ago, attracting a strong crowd to watch the round-of-32 fixture which the Magpies eventually lost 2-0.
The NNSW premiers also reached the semis of the nationwide NPL premiers series, defeating Tasmanian champions Davenport 3-2 at home before going down 2-0 to Brisbane's Lions FC.
News of FFA canning both competitions broke on Tuesday.
Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said he had has no doubts that the FFA Cup would return as a prominent feature on the football calendar after the 2020 edition fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Jets progressed to the quarter-finals last year - their best result in the six years of the knockout competition - where they went down 1-0 to eventual winners Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium after the visitor's keeper Lewis Italiano was sent off in the 11th minute.
A-League sides enter the cup, which features local clubs, in the round of 32, which is usually held in late July.
However, most state federation competitions have been delayed, with many, including Northern NSW kicking off this weekend.
As a result, the preliminary rounds which determine the 21 teams to join the A-League clubs in the round of 32 have not been completed.
Northern NSW supplies two teams to the main draw. Last year it was Maitland and Edgeworth.
"They have just run out of time," McKinna said. "It's a fantastic competition. Last year we had a decent run. We beat Victory 3-2 in a great comeback and had a good game with Edgeworth. The only unfortunate thing was Wes Hoolahan getting injured down in Adelaide.
"The FFA cup has become a big part of the season.
"We normally start preseason in July and it gives you competitive games early on to break it up."
The FFA Cup will return next season, but with the A-League running from December to July it is likely to be brought forward.
"It will maybe have to start in March, with the A-League clubs introduced in June and the final in late July," McKinna said.
* The Magpies kick off their premiership defence in a grand final rematch against Edgeworth at Jack McLaughlan Oval on Sunday, however, they may be without midfielder Chris Fayers as the club looks to overcome clearance issues with Malaysian Super League outfit Terengganu FC.