Matildas trio to boost Glory girls

Perth Glory Women is pleased to have announced its 2012/13 playing roster for the upcoming Westfield W-League season, with a number of handy additions.

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Three Westfield Matildas have signed on with Perth Glory, with Collette McCallum rejoining the team after missing last the last W-League season and playing in the off-season with English giants Lincoln Ladies.

Another familiar face will be Kate Gill who returns to action after missing last season due to a serious knee injury. The third Matilda will be Aivi Luik, who has joined the Glory from Brisbane Roar.

“These three players will have a huge influence on the team this season and really give us a solid core of players that our younger players can learn from,” said coach Jamie Harnwell.

The Perth Glory men’s legend also announced that McCallum will be the club’s new captain following Tanya Oxtoby’s decision to remain in England coaching Nottingham Forrest.

“Collette’s choice as captain was an easy one for me,” said Harnwell.

“Already at training you can see the drive she has and the ability to improve players around her. Collette has the respect of the coaching staff and the players and is the ideal person to lead us this season.”

There will be a continued international flavour with England and Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford signing on with Perth. She will also be joined by Canadian defender Sasha Andrews and young New Zealand international Liz Milne, who can play anywhere across the back four.

“Sasha is a imposing centre-half with a great deal of experience,” said Harnwell.

“She has only joined in a couple of sessions but you can just see the presence she brings and will be a huge addition to strengthening our back line as well as Liz who is looking to further her career in the Westfield W-League. I have had great reports about Carly too and she is a leader who is playing at the top level in Europe and we are extremely fortunate to have signed her.

“We have managed to assemble a strong squad and credit must go to Football West for their backing of this team. The players are focused on having a good season and I believe a finals position should be within reach with the talent we have available.”

Harnwell will be assisted by Gary Church and the team is currently in preparation for their Round One blockbuster at home to Melbourne Victory on Sunday 21 October. Kick-off at Inglewood’s Intiga Stadium is at 10.30am.

2012/13 Perth Glory Westfield W-League squad
Shirt No.    SURNAME    FIRST NAME    POSITION
1    Telford    Carly    Goalkeeper
2    Carroll    Sarah    Defender
3    Hawkins    Carys    Defender
4    Studman    Bronwyn    Defender
5    May    Shannon    Midfield
6    Andrews    Sasha    Defender
7    Luik    Aivi    Midfield
8    Mastrantonio    Ella    Midfield
9    Sutton     Rosie    Forward
10    Gibbons    Jaymee    Midfield
12    Gill    Katie    Forward
13    D’Ovidio    Elisa    Midfield
14    McCallum    Collette    Midfield
15    Milne    Elizabeth    Defender
16    Eastman    Thia    Defender
17    Tabain    Marianna    Forward
18    Bolton    Kirri    Mid/Def
19    Billam    Shawn    Defender
20    Palandri    Zoe    Goalkeeper

Footballwest.com.au