Overnight, Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers have added to their rosters in addition to Brisbane Roar‘s announcement from weekend. We hear from all the players and head coaches.
A breakout season in the W-League has seen Emma Ilijoski sign on with Canberra United for a second year.
The pocket rocket defender made her W-League debut for Canberra United in Round Five last season and went on to start every match that followed, playing 900 minutes of W-League football, completing 437 passes at 71.4% accuracy.
Ilijoski is also on the national radar, with the 18-year-old taking part in a Matildas Talent Identification Camp late last year.
Ilijoski spent the off season playing for Sydney Uni FC in NPLW NSW, where she played 10 games before the competition was suspended and she returned to Canberra.
Ilijoski said she can’t wait to be back with Canberra United. “I feel such pride and gratitude towards Vicki and the staff to be back playing for Canberra United this season,” she said.
“Last season was so special; being my debut, making the finals series and most importantly, building something really exciting within the squad. We are determined to continue that success and go one better to continue doing the club and supporters proud.
“To be given another opportunity to play for the badge, fans and my family means everything to me. I am prepared and looking forward to giving my all to the club.”
Speaking on her signing, Head Coach Vicki Linton said she was pleased to have Emma back. “Emma had a wonderful debut season last year and was one of our most consistent players,” she said.
“It is great for us as a club to be able to provide these opportunities to local Canberra players and I look forward to seeing her continue to develop and grow as a player this season.”
Wanderers Re-Sign Collister:
Western Sydney Wanderers FC have announced the re-signing of forward Teigan Collister for the upcoming W-League season.
A bright spark in the Wanderers 2020/21 campaign, Collister featured in nine games and had four assists in her first season in the Red & Black.
The 21-year-old winger is set to play in her fourth season of the W-League this season with the Wanderers.
Head coach Catherine Cannuli was delighted to have Collister back for another season in Western Sydney. “Teigan has a lot of raw talent and we saw her potential last season at the Wanderers,” said Cannuli.
“We are very pleased to have Teigan back at the club and are excited to watch her growth and development over the next season.”
Collister said she was looking forward to seeing what results the team can achieve for the club this season. “I loved my first season at the club last year – it was a really welcoming environment to come into and it was also a competitive place for me to push myself as a new player,” said Collister.
“I think one of the best things about playing for the Wanderers is the culture that’s engrained into the club.
“Everyone involved at the club fosters a professional environment that both supports players and encourages us to take pride and determination into every game.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the results we can achieve for the club this season – the whole squad is ready to work really hard and put in 100% for each other. To prove ourselves as strong competitors and secure a place in the Finals – that’s our shared goal.”
Roar Sign Margraf For Another Year:
Brisbane Roar is pleased to announce midfielder Anna Margraf as its eighth confirmed W-League signing in the space of 14 days.
The talented 20-year-old has recommitted to the Roar after making six appearances last season, bringing her overall tally in orange to 15.
“I can’t wait to see what this year will bring,” said Margraf, who has been playing locally for Capalaba FC in the off-season. “I think it will be a good opportunity for a lot of players to step up and showcase our Queensland talent, I’m looking forward to all the girls getting together and seeing what culture we can create.”
“As long as we work really hard – and I know from playing with Georgie [Worth], H [Hollie Palmer] and [Larissa] Crummer in the off-season that we’ve all been working hard – then I’m sure it will all come together nicely.”
Margraf knows new Head Coach Garrath McPherson well from his spell as an assistant to Mel Andreatta and from her time in Queensland’s NTC program, which she captained to NPL Women’s Grand Final glory in 2018.
“I’m excited to see what he will bring to the table,” she said. “I know how hard he is working behind the scenes to make this year stand out. I think he is a great coach.”
McPherson described Margraf as a “very smart footballer” with “exceptional technique.”
“Anna is the type of player you almost have to carry away from the training pitch,” he said, “she is extremely focused and dedicated and is continually looking for ways to better herself.
“It’s been great to watch her gain experience in recent W-League seasons and she has continued this growth in our Future Matildas program this year. I’m looking forward to seeing her have a regular impact on the field this season.”
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