Sydney have also announced a new captain with striker Kyah Simon taking over the captain’s armband from Danielle Brogan, who on Tuesday underwent surgery to repair an ACL ruptured in a pre-season trial match. 

Simon leads a team boasting eight Matildas including Ellyse Perry, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy as well Football Ferns trio Annalie Longo, Hannah Bromley and Emma Kete.  Also named in the squad are several U17 and U20s representatives. 

“We’re thrilled with the team we have been able to put together for the 2012/13 season,” said Stajcic.

“Kyah will captain the team, which is a sign of the younger, more exciting squad we have selected. She takes over from Danielle Brogan, who was going to play a big part in the season until she unfortunately suffered the knee injury.”

Circumstances have forced an overhaul of the Sky Blues team.  Servet Uzunlar, Sarah Walsh and Teigen Allen joined the new Western Sydney Wanderers side in the offseason while Brogan and striker Leena Khamis succumbed to ACL injuries, defender Thea Slatyer and midfielder Kylie Ledbrook retired and Heather Garriock ruled herself out early through pregnancy. 

Despite that Stajcic, who has coached some of the best young talent in Australia through to the Westfield Matildas, believes that his young side has the quality to continue the strong NSW tradition. 

“We have selected a younger team with pace, mobility and some of the most exciting players in Australian women’s football.”

“We have been training well and we’re really looking forward to the season kick off against Newcastle on 21 October.”

Blackmores, Australia’s leading natural health brand, has joined the Sydney FC W-League team, which boasts eight Australian internationals, three New Zealand Internationals and six players who have represented Australia at underage level (U17 and U20).

In another major boost for the Sky Blues, Blackmores has come on board as the new shirt sponsors for the women’s team for the 2012/13 season.

Blackmores becomes the first company to invest money directly into the Sydney FC W-League team, a sign of the increased popularity of women’s football. The Blackmore’s logo will be proudly displayed on the front of the Sydney FC W-League and National Youth League strips.

“We have received a lot of corporate support but for Blackmores to commit to helping our women’s team is a testament to the growth and popularity of women’s football.” Sydney FC Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said. 

“Blackmores is thrilled to be partnering with Sydney FC’s Women’s and Youth Leagues, and wish them the best of luck for the season ahead,” said Blackmores Director, Sales and Marketing, Jim Van Bruinessen.

Sydney FC W-League squad: