Above: Central Coast Mariners lift the trophy after their Grand Final win last season. Photo: A-Leagues.
Impetus‘ team of contributors who will be covering the A-League Women for us this season kick things off with this guide to each team and their prospects for the new campaign (29/10/25).
Adelaide United
by Alyce Collett
Season 2024/25 was a huge season of growth for Adelaide United.
After a last placed finish the year before, the Reds won 10 more games than they had in 2023/24 and went on to finish third. After an Elimination Final win over Western United, Adelaide’s 2024/25 season came to an end in the Semi Final when Melbourne Victory proved to be too strong over the two legs.
Heading into 2025/26, Adelaide will be aiming to build on what it achieved last season and make an even deeper run into the finals this season.
Despite the success the team enjoyed last season, there has been plenty of changes to the squad in the offseason.There are eight new faces to the Reds.
Holly Murray has made the move across from Canberra United and will add important strength to Adelaide’s defensive stocks. Emilia Makris (formerly Murray) is making her return to the club after spending last season at Melbourne City but struggled to get consistent minutes in a side that went undefeated.
Paige Zois is another young star who will be looking to get some consistent minutes with the Reds and to show the on field toughness and smarts that made her a fan favourite at former club Melbourne Victory.
She is not the only tough midfielder that United has signed, with the Taranto sisters Adriana and Melissa also making the move across after former club Western United was kicked out of the competition.
Rounding out the signings were Carina Rossi and Amelie Millar. Rossi is a teenage forward who played an important role in helping Box Hill United win the 2025 Victorian National Premier League (NPLW) Women’s title. Meanwhile, Milar is a goalkeeper and only 16 years old, and has made a number of state teams in her home state of Tasmania, and has also been at Junior Matildas training camps.
All these new faces do mean plenty have also left the club. However, outside Lucia Leon, Nanako Sasaki, and Tiarna Karambasis, the other departures were not really getting minutes last season, so were just depth players.
Those changes do not stop on the field. The Reds also have a new head coach this season, with Theo Tsiounis taking over from Adrian Stenta.
Tsiounis comes to the Reds with over a decade of coaching experience in South Australia’s NPL and state league competitions, and a proven track record of developing young players, which will be important with how many young players the Reds have brought into the squad this season.
The Reds also now have a full-time assistant coach for their A-League Women’s side for the first time, with Maruschka Waldus being appointed to the role.
Despite all these changes, there are plenty of top-end stars still plying their trade with the club this season. Erin Healy, Fiona Worts, and Emily Condon all signed new contracts over the offseason and will be looking to help build on what they all started last season.
Brisbane Roar
by Kieran Yap
Brisbane Roar fans received an early Christmas present this year. Matildas winger Sharn Freier returned to the club from VfL Wolfsburg. The star forward is one of four Australian internationals at Alex Smith’s disposal as they look to improve on last season, which felt like an opportunity missed.
The Roar started the 2024/25 season as the form team of the competition. With Tameka Yallop leading the charge and the prodigious Grace Kuilamu, Freier, and her twin sister Laini were all amongst the competition’s best players.
Brisbane’s season basically peaked with an 8-2 win away against Western United, and following that, injuries and results went against them. The team that looked like title contenders missed the finals, but there is cause for optimism ahead of the new season.
Alongside Freier, Brisbane welcome back Kijah Stephenson. The stylish and dangerous playmaker missed last season through injury and brings a creativity to the attack. She can find a killer pass and is a dangerous finisher who can play anywhere in attack.
The midfield has retained Momo Hayashi, scorer of wonder goals and dependable anchor, and will likely be partnered with Zara Kruger and Alicia Woods once again. Brisbane have consolidated this area of the pitch, and in a league where squads often take time to adjust to each other, the consolidation and consistency could make the midfield a real asset.
Kiera Myers joined from Melbourne City. The youngster has yet to establish herself in the A-League Women, but will provide another talented option for Smith, especially with Yallop’s fitness still under a cloud.
Ava Piazza is another excellent addition; the fullback will slot into the vacancy left by Chelsea Blissett or Deborah Ann de la Harpe. In goal, Chloe Lincoln has been signed. The capped Matilda will be the first Australian goalkeeper in the last two seasons at Roar.
Their two previous custodians have been on loan and had to depart before the season ended. Having a strong, talented, and experienced goalkeeper who will be able to stay for the entire season will make a big difference to Brisbane’s season as they push for finals for the first time since 2020/21.
Brisbane have once again trusted in youth and local players. Their overseas signings like forward Bente Jansen will hopefully add something to the team, but a look at the midfield and defence shows that Smith has built the foundations of the team around players who we know can play well in the A-League and still have their best years ahead.
Like always, Brisbane will have to overcome a grueling travel schedule and some more star-studded teams, but there is reason to be excited. This is a solid team on every line, and with Freier’s return in particular, they have an attack that will challenge most teams in the league.
Canberra United
by Callum Logie
It was a tumultuous off-season for the team from the capital, with an injection of funds from the ACT government in July securing the team at least another season at McKellar Park. However, the off-season on the recruiting front can be considered a resounding success for the team.
Coach Antoni Jagarinec secured the services of energetic midfielder Nanako Sasaki, former Western United forward Kiara De Domizio. De Domizio will provide some depth up front to support their already intriguing forward line, and Sasaki has been an A-League mainstay for a few years now, known for her midfield presence at Adelaide United.
Canberra United have also looked overseas for new talent to make their push into the title hunt that much more potent, signing hard-working midfielder Josie Aulicino, who has starred at club level in Victoria and was a strong contributor in her five NCAA seasons with Northwestern. Emma Hawkins is another forward that Canberra have high hopes for, producing everywhere she has played, from the NCAA to Iceland and Portugal.
Led by the evergreen Michelle Heyman up front and an exciting batch of young talent looking to make the step up this season, Canberra United are aiming to be contenders this coming season. Scoring four goals in her last five international appearances and an A-League career shots on target conversion rate over 55%, the timeless Heyman will look to lead the line for a Canberra United team looking to break into the top four.
Despite their youth across most positions, Canberra United will be optimistic about their team chemistry, with youngster Mary Stanic-Floody being joined by the exciting prospects Sienna Dale and Ava Briedis. Stanic-Floody in particular will be looking to take a step forward, with the 19-year-old scoring four goals in 22 appearances for the team last season.
One area that Canberra United will be looking to improve in for this coming season is goal difference. More specifically, keeping more clean sheets. It is always challenging to keep a clean sheet in the Women’s A-League, with only eight goalkeepers having a clean sheet percentage of over 30% throughout its history. Sally James sits at 17% for her career, adding three clean sheets last year.
Tegan Bertolissio will also be key to Canberra’s progress on that end of the field, with the 19-year-old being called up to train with the Matildas senior squad during this off-season. She already has 36 senior appearances with Canberra and will be looking to cement herself as the defensive stalwart for a side with high hopes.
Jazmin Wardlow and Sasha Grove are both new recruits brought in to supplement the defence as well, so it may well be that the sky’s the limit for this Canberra United group.
Central Coast Mariners
by Alice de Koster-Kitto
Central Coast Mariners are headed into their most highly anticipated season since their reinstatement to the league in the 2023/24 season. Having come off a historical championship win to close off the 2024/25 season, all eyes will be on the Mariners as they look to reclaim the title for a second time running.
The reigning champions will kick off their season hosting Adelaide United at Polytec Stadium in a high-pressure clash, as the Mariners will fight to meet the expectations set by their phenomenal campaign last season.
The departure of winning head coach Emily Husband has meant the Mariners have had a period of adjustment in pre-season, which they will be looking to settle into ahead of the season’s kick-off. Husband took an underdog team to the championship title, just two seasons after being reinstated to the league.
In August, Kory Babington was appointed as the Central Coast Mariners’ head coach for the upcoming season. Babington comes with a wealth of experience, specifically with young players, as the Director of Football at Westfield Sports High School, and with experience as an assistant coach for the Young Matildas in 2023.
His familiarity with much of the squad, as well as his reputation for developing young players and transitioning them into professional careers, makes Babington a terrific fit to take the Mariners into their upcoming season.
The Mariners only just announced their newest signings a fortnight before the season started. The squad welcomes a hoard of new names, notably the likes of Millie Farrow, Avaani Prakash, and Jyana Dos Santos, all of whom have made an impact at their former club last season.
The wealth of fresh talent is set to restore some of the impact that may have been lost upon the departure of three prominent players: Taylor Ray, Jessika Nash, and Bianca Galic, whose presence was critical in the Mariners’ success last season.
There is still a great amount of depth in the squad, and the familiarity between teammates provides an opportunity to build on what has already been established in previous seasons. The new signings, however, allow a chance to create new momentum, especially given their history as Mariners opponents. The loss of important players and a game-changing coach, however, does risk the Mariners becoming unsteady and could lead to a plateau after reaching such a peak.
There is definitely a lot of promise for the Mariners headed into the 2025/26 season. The familiarity in the squad, paired with the confidence instilled after a historical season under the leadership of Kory Babington, makes for an exciting upcoming season. Should they capitalise on these advantages, the 2025/26 Ninja A-League season could once again be Central Coast Mariners for the taking.
Melbourne City
by Emma Burke
After only managing to secure the one piece of silverware last season in the Premiers’ Plate, Melbourne City will have another chance at winning the treble under head coach Michael Matricciani again this season.
Matricciani’s second season in charge of the City Women sees a core group of players retained by the club in players such as Rebekah Stott, Taylor Otto, Bryleeh Henry, Leticia McKenna, Laura Hughes, Leah Davidson, and just one more year for the league’s golden boot winner Holly McNamara.
Some of the losses they’ve seen in the offseason have included Lourdes Bosch, Marianna Speckmaier, and Rihanna Pollicina, who had been with the club for the last four years and has now joined cross-city rivals Melbourne Victory.
Their new signings include English defender Danielle Turner, winger Aideen Keane who most recently played for Canberra United, Football Fern Deven Jackson, who’s last season with Newcastle Jets saw her win the club’s golden boot, and versatile forward Chinaza Uchendu, a Nigerian International who has played across Europe.
In typical Melbourne City fashion, the club has also signed a slew of Young Matildas, including the side’s captain, Kaya Jugovic, Izabella Rako, Kiera Sarris, Danella Butrus, and Dali Gorr Burchmore. Further cementing City’s position as a club looking to develop young talent into future stars of the A-League Women.
Alongside their contention for trophies in the A-League Women, Melbourne City will also be looking to do one better than their last attempt at the Asian Women’s Champions’ League, where they fell just short of winning the entire competition on penalties against Wuhan Jiangda.
Following a less than ideal preseason that involved two losses in friendlies against Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, City open their Premiership defence against Sydney FC on 1st November. Their AWCL campaign begins a few weeks later in Vietnam where they will compete in the group stage against Lion City Sailors, Ho Chi Minh City, and Stallion Laguna FC.
Melbourne Victory
by Isabelle Campbell
After narrowly missing out on the premiership by just two points and then heartbreakingly losing the Grand Final on penalties to Central Coast Mariners, Melbourne Victory head into the new season with a clear mission: to go one better.
One of the most talked-about signings is Taylor Ray, who arrives from the very team that denied Victory the championship last season. Ray, a hard-working midfielder who spent much of the campaign playing in defence, was a key figure in the Mariners’ title-winning side.
Coach Jeff Hopkins has put together a squad made up of experienced players and promising new talent. This mix combines the reliability of the veterans with the energy of the newcomers, giving the team the balance needed to compete at the highest level throughout the season.
Creative force Rhianna Pollicina makes a big move to Victory from direct rivals Melbourne City. Known for her vision and playmaking skills, she recently led Box Hill United to an NPLW title and will be central to Victory’s attacking plans this season. Complementing her creativity up front is Kennedy White, who brings speed and a proven knack for scoring after an impressive season overseas.
Victory have also welcomed back Grace Maher, who played two seasons with the club earlier in her career before establishing herself as one of the league’s standout players. Equally comfortable in defence or midfield, Maher’s versatility and on-field impact make her a key player to watch this season.
Youth and energy come in the form of 18-year-old attacking midfielder Sienna Saveska, who finished as Western Sydney Wanderers’ leading goalscorer last season.
In defence, Victory have strengthened their backline by signing Chelsea Blissett, who adds much-needed depth and versatility on the left side after two years with Brisbane Roar. Kiwi fullback Zoe McMeeken brings extensive A-League experience and international quality at just 21.
Adding to the mix are promising talents like Jessica Young, Sienna Techera, and Fiorina Iaria, with goalkeeping options boosted by newcomers Payton Woodward and Chloe McKenzie.
A particularly special addition to the senior squad is Poppy O’Keeffe, who has made club history as the first female player to progress all the way through Victory’s academy system to earn a first-team contract. At just 17, she’s already shown she’s ready for the big stage.
While Victory said goodbye to fan favourites like Emily Gielnik, Alex Chidiac, and Paige Zois, they secured the return of key young players Alana Jančevski, Holly Furphy, and Sofia Sakalis. Having already made their mark at the club and fresh from winning the ASEAN Championship with the Australia U23s, these players are expected to play significant roles in the season ahead.
After a near miss last season, Melbourne Victory Women return with renewed strength, fresh talent, and a fierce determination to get the job done this time.
Newcastle Jets
by Max Parris
Newcastle Jets begin their 25-26 A-League Women campaign with renewed ambitions after having a tough season last year, finishing 11th on the ladder.
Stephen Hoyle’s side look to bounce back, and have recruited well with some new additions to the squad. New Zealand international Kelli Brown, who played 13 games for Perth Glory last season, scoring five goals. Brown is set to have a breakout season with her new team and will be looking to add a potent goalscoring presence in Newcastle’s forward line.
Returning to the Jets is Melina Ayres. In her most recent A-League Women season, Ayres scored six goals in 14 appearances. Brown and Ayres will be key to Newcastle Jets success this season.
Another addition to the squad is ex-Sheffield United player Olivia Page, who has played for English second-tier side Sheffield United. Page comes fresh from a fantastic season at Eastern United in New Zealand, taking the team on a good run in the Continental League Cup in 2024. Page is a versatile midfielder who brings a physical presence and experience, having played in England as well as playing for New Zealand in the U17 and U20 Women’s World Cups.
Some of the key players that Newcastle have also retained are midfielder Libby Copus-Brown, Matildas defender Natasha Prior, and club captain Cass Davis. Copus-Brown brings a wealth of experience, having played in England for the then tier two side Lewes, and has also made over 100 appearances in the A-League Women.
Prior is a leader from the back, making over 16 appearances last season, and she has earned six Matildas caps after making her debut on 1st December 2024, against Brazil. Davis is a dynamic midfield leader who signed a new contract for this season.
Head coach Hoyle comes with experience as an assistant coach of the New Zealand national Women’s U17s team and is on a two-year contract.
The Jets will be eager to return to the top six after the frustrations of last season, and they will be going out to ensure they make the most of their strong fan base and atmosphere at the No.2 Sportsground, which can be an intimidating place to visit.
In their last pre-season game, the Jets played the NPL NNSW All Stars team and emerged victorious with a resounding 6-2 win, giving the team a huge confidence boost ahead of their opening game of the season. A tough first game of the campaign at Canberra United will give a number of clues as to their progress since last term.
Perth Glory
by Ben Gilby
After a number of years of near misses and underachievement, the Western Australian side look to be flying under the radar once more this season – and that could be dangerous for the East Coast sides.
Last season, a young squad with a large number of locally produced players connected superbly with the fans, making the Sam Kerr Football Centre a loud and imposing venue, one which the Glory made the most of with an excellent set of results.
However, an inability to win away from home, despite head coach Stephen Peters regularly changing up the routine and travel plans in a bid to find the right result, ultimately did for Perth.
This season’s squad contains the same exciting young Western Australian talent, but also has more firepower. However, the team will have to negotiate long-term injuries to experienced heads Nat Tathem and Megan Wynne, as well as less experience at A-League level in goal.
Last season’s keepers Casey Dumont and Miranda Templeman have departed, with Teresa Morrisey joining teenage NPLW WA talent Megan Phillips (Fremantle City) and Jess Skinner (Perth RedStar) between the sticks.
Julia Sardo joins from Western United to bring ballast and creativity. Naomi Chinnama was a standout at times, getting better each time she put on a purple shirt. She has the talent to be a major star at this level, and 2025/26 could be that full breakout year. Grace Johnston, another young Western Australian, is now going into her third season in the A-League, with a Matildas U23 ASEAN Cup winners medal in her locker and the air of someone far older than her 20 years. Mischa Anderson will also be looking to become another local regular.
It could well be the Glory’s midfield that will decide whether they can finally reach Finals for the first time since 2019. There is so much potential in this part of the squad – but the talent among it is occasionally raw. If this group can produce a consistent level of performance that they are capable of, then it’s going to be a thrilling campaign in the West.
Georgia Cassidy stamped her authority all over the Young Matildas’ ASEAN Cup squad with goals and confident performances in August, and with Tijan McKenna threading perfect passes alongside her. The unlimited potential that Clancy Westaway, Charli Wainwright, Sarah O’Donoghue, and Ella Adbul-Massih have makes the possibilities thrilling. The experienced head of Izzy Dalton, alongside them, will be crucial in pushing this group to live up to their capabilities.
It has been up front where Perth have struggled consistently in recent years, and this is where the close-season arrival of Rola Badawiya from SC Braga could help. The American scored eight goals for Central Coast Mariners in 2023/24, so hopes will be high. Susan Phonsongkham’s return from long-term injury at the tail end of last season was a massive boost, and increasing game time for another local, Ella Lincoln, showed she can thrive at this level.
Perth’s season for me rests on two things – an ability to win away from home, and for their hugely talented midfield to reach peak performance consistently. If they can do that, then the top six is a possibility.
Sydney FC
by Georgie Lewis
After a disappointing eighth-place finish last season—the lowest ladder position in the club’s history —Sydney FC return with a clear mission: redemption.
For a club accustomed to silverware, missing the finals entirely was unacceptable. Despite being the defending champions, the Sky Blues endured a season of struggle, managing just one win early on before finding some form in the new year. Now, under Head Coach Ante Juric, Sydney have assembled a squad mixing international firepower with exciting young talent, all united by one goal: reclaiming their place at the top.
The headline signing is undoubtedly American attacker Jodi Ulkekul, who arrives with a glittering résumé spanning the United States, Spain, Italy, and the NWSL. The 28-year-old brings leadership, versatility, and a wealth of experience from clubs including OL Reign, Roma, and most recently Spokane Zephyr. Her ability to link play and make runs in behind will be crucial to solving Sydney’s goalscoring issues from last season.
Joining Ulkekul in attack is Panama international Riley Tanner, who impressed Australian fans earlier this year when she played a key role in Panama’s surprise 1-0 victory over the Matildas in Perth. A FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 veteran with pace and an eye for goal, Tanner will reunite with Ulkekul after the pair played together at Spokane, giving Sydney another dimension going forward.
Adding further spice to the attack is Haiti international Laurie-Ann Moïse, a 23-year-old forward with explosive pace and power. Having starred in the NCAA system with Cal State Fullerton and South Alabama, Moïse arrives ready to make an immediate impact in her first professional season.
Sydney have also strengthened their backline by securing Philippines international Madison Ayson from Canberra United. The 24-year-old centre-back brings A-League and NWSL experience with Houston Dash, adding much-needed strength and composure to a defence that struggled last season.
A particularly significant acquisition is Bianca Galic, who arrives from reigning champions Central Coast Mariners on a three-year deal. The Croatian international was the penalty shootout hero in last season’s Grand Final and brings a winning mentality that Sydney desperately need. Her technical ability and four international caps make her a crucial addition to the midfield.
Youth continues to be a priority, with Sydney securing 17-year-old Skye Halmarick from NPL side NWS Spirit. The prolific striker scored an incredible 23 goals in 22 matches last season, including two hat-tricks and four braces, and will be eager to translate that remarkable form to the A-League. She’s joined by Young Matildas midfielder Amelia Cassar, who crosses town from Western Sydney Wanderers on a three-year deal at just 17 years old.
Between the posts, Sydney have recruited American goalkeeper Heather Hinz from NWSL side Houston Dash. The 2023 SEC Goalkeeper of the Year brings elite-level experience, while Tiahna Robertson joins from Newcastle Jets to provide depth and competition.
Sydney have done well to retain their core, with last season’s Golden Boot winner Mackenzie Hawkesby re-signing for another campaign. The 25-year-old midfielder will be crucial to Sydney’s push for silverware in what will be her seventh season with the club. Equally important is the retention of star defender Tori Tumeth, who recently captained Australia’s U23 side to ASEAN Championship glory and remains determined to make amends for last season’s struggles.
Young stars Caley Tallon-Henniker, Amber Luchtmeijer, and Rubi Sullivan have all re-signed, alongside Young Matildas captain Shay Hollman, who has committed until 2027. The club has also promoted Sofia Fante, Claire Corbett, and Willa Pearson from the Female Development Squad, highlighting Sydney’s commitment to developing the next generation.
A bright spot from last season was teenage sensation Indiana Dos Santos, who claimed the Young Footballer of the Year award despite the team’s struggles. However, the 17-year-old will miss the start of the season after suffering an ACL injury during a Future Matildas training camp, dealing a blow to Sydney’s attacking plans.
While Sydney bid farewell to Matildas striker Kyah Simon, overseas recruits Faye Bryson, Millie Farrow, and Shea Connors, along with several goalkeepers, the club has moved decisively to reshape the squad with quality replacements.
After their worst season in years, Sydney FC Women with international star power, hungry young talent, and a burning desire to prove that last season was merely an aberration—not a new reality.
Wellington Phoenix
by Jonathon Hagger
After four seasons of mixed results, the club owners and management have committed resources and energy into securing all the talent they need – players, coaches, and back-office support.
Success starts with the Coaches. Bev Priestman moves to Wellington looking to restart her coaching career after a short layoff following controversy at the last Olympics. With a super impressive CV including coaching four FIFA Women’s World Cups, three Olympic Games, and three FIFA Youth World Cups, she is the business.
Amy Sheperd continues for another season in the assistant role. Sheperd’s impact on the team in the 2024/2025 season was massive and understated.
Maturity and capability across the pitch are the hallmarks of the Nix off-season recruitment. Several well-known Football Ferns players have signed on to play in Wellington, with Victoria Essen, the number one goalkeeper, linking up with Ferns defender CJ Bott as she returns to play in her home city.
Ellie Walker shifts from SC Braga to bolster the defensive unit. Having played three seasons in Portugal’s top-level league, Walker will be a leader in the team. Lucia Leon joins the Nix from a successful previous season with Adelaide United. Leon brings a proven resilience.
Rounding out the defending unit are Mackenzie Barry, Marisa van der Meer, and Tiana Jaber. All very talented players who have proven their ability to play A-League level football in previous seasons.
After a season in the US, Macey Fraser returns to Wellington looking to re-ignite her career. Sidelined with ongoing injuries derailed her US experience and being fully fit and healthy again is a top priority.
Tessel Middag arrives from Portugal and boasts an incredible list of professional teams on her record. Middag brings experience, wisdom, and maturity that will help shape the future of the developing players.
The Nix have retained Alyssa Whinham, Manaia Elliot, Daisy Brazendale, and Olivia Ingham. This will see these players continue to develop and mature as footballers.
Sabitra Bhandari brings the missing piece that the Nix didn’t have last season: A proven out-and-out goal scorer. Bhandari is the all-time highest goal scorer in Nepalese football history and holds the record as the highest female goal scorer in South Asia.
Grace Jale and Emma Main return to the Nix and will be looking to greatly improve their form. With Jale now in her prime playing years, scoring goals is required if she wants to be selected as a Football Fern again.
The success of the Wellington Phoenix this season relies entirely on chemistry. They have recruited top-quality players in the right positions. The mature players provide much-needed balance on and off the field, and this very characteristic will set up the team for success. The young players bring drive, determination, and fun. It feels like just the right balance.
This is the time for the Wellington Phoenix to shine. 2025/2026 will, without a doubt, be the team’s best season so far.
Western Sydney Wanderers
by Kris Goman
Change is in the air at Wanderland! After a whirlwind off-season, the Western Sydney Wanderers are gearing up for a fresh start, and fans have plenty to be excited about.
Eleven players have departed, including club legend and Julie Dolan Medal winner Sophie Harding, who’s now chasing glory in Fort Lauderdale. Twelve players remain, ready to anchor the squad. And at this stage, it looks like there’s ten new signings, set to shake things up, bringing international experience and youthful energy.
Two Chinese national team players, defender Wang Ying and forward Yuan Cong, are joining the team, looking to sharpen their skills as they gain experience in Australia in the lead-up to the Women’s Asian Cup next March.
Janae DeFazio, a versatile defender with eight caps for the Philippines, adds even more international flavour. Between the posts, ex-Sydney FC keeper Brianna Edwards brings her New Zealand national team experience to the red and black.
There’s a strong focus on youth and developing players through the Wanderers Academy program. The Wanderers have recently had six of their junior players represent Australia in the Junior Matildas, and that investment is paying off with Nikkita Fazzari and Alana Turkkan recently promoted to the senior squad.
Poppie Hooks, who played A-League Women football in the early part of her career with hometown side Perth Glory, is back in the competition at the Wanderers after a superb season in the NPLW NSW, along with Aimee Hall – this pair are ready to make their mark. Rounding out the new arrivals are Amy Barker and Sienna Arrarte adding depth and promise.
The bulk of the team have been training together since mid-September. The Chinese Internationals and Young Matildas joined a little later but should bring plenty of experience with them. With nearly half the team new, fans should expect some early growing pains and it may take a little time for the team to gel.
The core from last season, Amy Harrison, Danika Matos, Liv Price, Sham Khamis, Amy Chessari, Millie Bennett, Ella Buchanan, Talia Younis, Cushla Rue, Holly Caspers, Ena Harada, and Anika Stajcic, provides stability and leadership. They will still need to hit the ground running to not lose precious points in the early rounds.
Last season’s wooden spoon is a distant memory. With a bold mix of international talent and homegrown stars, the Wanderers are aiming higher this season. The last time the Wanderers made a big investment in international players, they made the finals, and the goal is always to go one better than that.
It’s yet to be determined if this team is of the same calibre as the 2019/2020 team, but the fans have their collective fingers crossed for an exciting season and plenty of moments to cheer the squad on.
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