Impetus brings you all the news from the two club’s signing announcements today, including the views of the players and coaches (1/9/22).
Above: Clare Hunt – her return for Western Sydney Wanderers is a huge boost ahead of the new season. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers today announced the re-signing of defender Clare Hunt for the upcoming Liberty A-League season.
Hunt joined the Red & Black at the start of last season from Canberra United and quickly became an integral part of the Wanderers defence.
Despite her season being cut short due to an unfortunate injury, Hunt earned plaudits for her performances and was named the Wanderers Medal winner for 2021, and was named on the bench in the PFA’s Team of the Season.
Returning back now for her second season in Western Sydney, Hunt is ready to pick up where she left off.
“Despite the challenges presented last season, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the club. I was given the opportunity and support to continuously develop over the course of the season and this allowed some consistent game time and performances. I am looking forward to continuing this in the 2022/23 Liberty A-League season,” said Hunt.
“It was a privilege to represent the club and to be recognised for my contribution to the last season through the Wanderers Medal. I am excited to build on this form and continue to push myself, and others, within this environment.
“I am hoping to build and be part of a cohesive and successful team environment, that thrives off hard work, resilience and a winning mentality. With this as a building block, there is every potential to be a Finals team and find further success at that point in the season.
“I am extremely grateful to be in a position where I can support and guide my teammates, whilst also learn and develop in their presence. I will continue to strive for excellence and success within this environment, and also encourage others to do so.
“I am excited to start preparing for the upcoming season with my teammates and staff.”
Western United’s defensive stocks in the Liberty A-League Women have been boosted with the Club securing young Victorians Alyssa Dall’Oste and Natasha Dakic ahead of its inaugural campaign.
With Dall’Oste in goal and Dakic in front of her marshalling the back four, Calder United conceded just seven goals in 21 regular season games in NPLW Victoria this season – the best defensive record the competition has ever seen.
After winning the NPLW Goalkeeper of the Year award as a 17-year-old in 2018, Dall’Oste joined Calder United in 2019 and helped the side to a Premiership, Championship, and NIKE F.C. Cup treble.
Dakic moved to Calder a year later and has won two NIKE F.C. Cups and added the NPLW Victoria Premiership this year, shining with her reading of the game and poise at the back.
“It’s an incredible feeling (to sign). It’s something that I’ve continued to work hard towards and to think that the opportunity has come is quite surreal. I’m honoured and excited to be sharing a piece of history as well as this new chapter in my footballing journey,” Dakic said.
“It is an honour to be part of Western United’s inaugural squad, I am so proud to be able to represent such an important part of Western United’s history. The culture that has already been created within the Club is like no other and I’m excited to start this journey,” Dall’Oste added.
Western United Head Coach Mark Torcaso has seen both players work hard to elevate their game in NPLW and earn this opportunity.
“Alyssa and Tash both came to Calder with the goal to push for a spot in the A-League Women, and I’m really pleased to reward them for their hard work now,” he said.
“Alyssa has made some phenomenal saves in big games throughout the year and Tash has been one of the standout defenders in the competition with her composure and quality on and off the ball.
“I’m really excited to see them both make the step up to the A-League Women and I look forward to seeing them both continue to work hard and develop their game.”
Both players are set to enter the NPLW Victoria Finals with Calder United and will join their new Western United teammates for the beginning of pre-season in October.
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