Seven new faces were unveiled at last night’s Perth Glory Women 2014 season launch where coach Jamie Harnwell spoke of a team spirit and quality he believes can be rewarded with success this year.
Football West News
Glory’s 20-strong squad contains newcomers Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Shelina Zadorksy, Katie Schubert and Gabrielle Marzano, while Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold return to the club after previous stints in WA.
Glory have reached the finals only once in the seven-year Westfield W-League history when their 2012-13 campaign ended with a bitter penalty shoot-out loss to Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium.
The Glory Women kick-off the new season against Brisbane Roar at Ashfield Sports Club at 12pm on Sunday.
But with six Matildas signed for the new season, and a quality local contingent including talent such as Marianna Tabain, Elisa D’Ovidio, Sarah Carroll and Shannon May, Harnwell is optimistic of cracking the top-four again.
Bankwest have Glory’s back. Photo: Football West News
“We’ve got a good squad of players and I’ve been pleased with how the girls have performed in pre-season,” Harnwell said.
“I suppose the thing to remember is that the Westfield W-League gets stronger and stronger and it’s fair to expect every team to be better than they were last season.
“I don’t have any doubt that Perth Glory Women are in a better position to have a good go at making the finals in 2014 but no-one at the club will underestimate how much work has to be done to get there.”
Matildas Kate Gill and Collette McCallum have been retained, while Foord, Kennedy, Arnold and Kerr are new Australian international recruits for this season. Glory’s only import is Canadian international Shelina Zadorsky.
Harnwell has been delighted with how quickly the new recruits have settled in.
“The local players have been so important in welcoming the new additions and really making them feel part of Perth Glory,” he said.
“It’s always important to have a good spirit in the squad and the early signs are very good.”