MEDIA RELEASE FROM FOOTBALL WEST
OCTOBER 24, 2013
Coach Jamie Harnwell says Perth Glory Women are “driven to succeed” in this season’s Westfield W-League after a history-making 2012/13 campaign in which they reached the finals for the first time.
Harnwell has finalised his squad for 2013/14 and is confident he has the right mix to reach the finals again.
A USA youth international is the latest overseas star to put pen to paper, with 25-year-old goalkeeper Chantel Jones joining the club.
Harnwell has also continued the trend of giving WA talent a chance in Australia’s top flight, by including 13 Sandgropers.
Westfield Matildas captain Kate Gill and star midfielder Collette McCallum, who will skipper Glory for the second successive season, headline the squad.
“Last year was a breakout year for us and now the pressure is on us to maintain that level,” said Harnwell, whose team was beaten in a controversial semi-final against Melbourne Victory last season.
“It has been great to welcome back so many familiar faces again. We have built a good culture in the club now, with a group of girls driven to succeed.
“Chantel Jones has come highly recommended from (US coach) Tommy Sermanni and will provide a great presence behind our back four after her recent season with Washington Spirit.
“It is also pleasing to continue our focus on WA talent with the signing of Amy Knights and Kathleen Waycott and bringing over Jess Dillon who grew up in Perth.”
Canada’s Sasha Andrews and Christina Julien, as well as Denmark defender Cecilie Sandvej add further international flavour to the Glory squad.
Last week’s 8-0 win over the WA Women’s State team was a great start to the pre-season with Julien bagging four goals on debut.
Harnwell says the team cannot wait for the first whistle to sound.
“Already during the pre-season the new players have gelled well with the existing squad and I have been encouraged by some strong performances,” he said.
“With the mix of youth and experience we possess, we are really looking to make the finals, and then, as we know, anything can happen.”
Last season’s Most Glorious Player Aivi Luik has been included in the roster, but the timeframe on her return to playing is still to be determined due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Glory will begin their season away to Newcastle Jets at Wanderers Oval in Broadmeadow on November 9.
The kick-off time to the club’s opening home fixture at Inglewood’s Intiga Stadium on November 16 has also been pushed back to 6pm.
Perth Glory 2013/14 Westfield W-League squad: (GK) 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Cecilie SANDVEJ, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO. 14. (c) Collette McCALLUM, 15. Jess DILLON, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Amy KNIGHTS, 19. Shawn BILLAM, (GK) 20. Kathleen WAYCOTT, 21. Christina JULIEN