by Ben Gilby
After their frustrating 2019/20 campaign, W-League side Perth Glory have announced two major signings in the past week.
First was the hugely exciting arrival of Natalie Tobin from Sydney FC. The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, became a key part of the Harbour City side’s squad after debuting in 2012, eventually chalking up more than 60 appearances in total and starting every game as the Sky Blues took out the Premiership title last season.
The former Australia Under-17 and Under-20 representative, who was also a part of two Grand Final-winning Sydney FC squads in 2013 and 2019, is relishing the prospect of starting a new chapter of her career in the West.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity to play for what has been a very successful team over the years with the likes of Sam Kerr and so on,” she said.
“Head coach Alex Epakis has given me a lot of information on the vision that he has for the team going forward and it all sounds very promising.
“The club went through a bit of a transitional phase last year, a growing phase and I’ve been a part of those in the past not just at Sydney FC, but at NPL clubs as well.
“So I think that’s always something exciting to be a part of and you can come together that way which is awesome.
“Alex has a great vision for the team culture in particular and a very positive outlook towards the season which further cemented my move over to Perth.
“I’m looking to have a really successful season, solidify a starting eleven spot which I was able to do at Sydney FC last year, grow as a footballer and help the team push for Finals, Premierships and Championships.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, believes that signing a player of Tobin’s experience and pedigree represents a major coup for the club.
“We’re delighted to have Nat sign on for next season and represent Perth Glory,” he said.
“She is a well-established and respected player within the W-League competition and I am excited to coach her next season.
“Nat brings so many qualities as both a player and as a leader.
“Her experience and on-field quality will prove to be a key part of helping the team and group move in a positive direction.
“She perfectly fits the type of player we are looking to have within the club and is a determined character and strong competitor who knows how to win.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly delighted that Tobin will be wearing purple next season.
“I worked with Nat during my time at Sydney FC and can certainly vouch for Alex’s assessment of her as both a player and as a character,” he said.
“We are determined to build a strong, competitive squad to take the club forward in the W-League in 2021/22 and have already taken major strides towards that by re-signing a number of key players and now securing the services of a proven performer in Nat.”
The magnitude of this signing for the Western Australian club has been emphasised by the outpouring of sadness in New South Wales at their star defender’s departure.
In addition to the arrival of Tobin, the club have also announced that highly-rated young goalkeeper Morgan Aquino has rejoined Glory on a long-term deal.
The Junior and Young Matildas representative made her Westfield W-League debut for Perth in the 2019/20 season and played on another two occasions for her hometown club before completing a move to Brisbane Roar.
Having added a further four W-League starts to her tally with the Queenslanders last season, the 19-year-old is thrilled to now be embarking upon a new chapter in her career amidst familiar surroundings.
“I’m very keen to be a part of what Alex Epakis is building at Glory,” she said, “especially as his vision is not just for this season, but for the future beyond that as well.
“He’s been giving young players opportunities and putting a lot of faith in them and that is exciting to see.
“Coming home for me was a no-brainer as the opportunity to play and be with family too is great to have.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes that Aquino has huge potential which she can fulfil with Glory.
“Securing the services of Morgan back from Brisbane is a great addition to the club in a key position,” he said.
“She is a proud West Australian, is passionate about the club and wants to do well.
“My job is to get the best out of her over the next few seasons and help her really grow into her undoubted talent and ability.
“Morgan is a very technical goalkeeper and will certainly suit the way in which we will want to play.
“She is driven and determined and I am happy that she believes this is the best club to help her grow as a person and as a player.”
Aquino joins and Natalie Tobin in pledging her future to Glory and club CEO Tony Pignata feels that the timing of these signings, plus the earlier announcements that Natasha Rigby, Hana Lowry and Tijan McKenna have all committed for another season illustrates the club’s determination to make a major impact in the W-League next season.
“We are committed to having as much of our squad in place as soon as possible in order to lay solid foundations for the 2021/22 campaign,” he said.
“The signings that we have already made are very exciting ones and with plenty more to come, I’m sure that our Members and fans are really looking forward to seeing the women in action next season.”
The club have indicated that further Westfield W-League signings are expected to be announced in the near future.
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