Brisbane Roar have re-signed of a number of key players ahead of the upcoming 2017/18 Westfield W-League season.
Amy Chapman, Abbey Lloyd, Ayesha Norrie, Summer O’Brien, Natalie Tathem, Allira Toby, Kaitlyn Torpey and Georgina Worth will be in Orange again for the new season.
The good news comes hot on the heels of captain Clare Polkinghorne, Matildas winger Hayley Raso, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and Hong Kong international striker Wai Ki Cheung, who all committed their future to the club.
“As a club, we are delighted to have these players sign on for the upcoming Westfield W-League season,” coach Melissa Andreatta said.
“It is great to highlight the fact that most of these footballers have developed in the Queensland junior system.
“We’re anticipating another extremely competitive season ahead and each of these players has an important role to play in helping us be successful.
“The recruitment and the re-signing process will continue but we’ve made a strong start to our pre-season with our goal being to win a third championship.”Â
Homegrown youngster, Kaitlyn Torpey, signs on for her third season and will be a key defender in the side.
The 17-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed after being selected in a Young Matildas squad this year.
Natalie Tathem, 21, developed at grassroots level with Yeronga-based club Olympic FC, along with pacey winger Allira Toby.
Tathem and Toby will be valuable additions to the Roar Women’s squad in 2017/18, with the versatile duo helping to strengthen Brisbane’s attacking third.Â
As one of the most experienced squad members, Amy Chapman is an intelligent footballer that brings a cool head and international experience to Andreatta’s team.
Chapman has four goals for Australia and has represented the Roar since 2010.Â
Sunshine Coast product and former The Gap FC defender, Summer O’Brien, has signed on for another season in Orange.
The dependable O’Brien started her football education at the Cavendish Road school of excellence program.Â
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Ayesha Norrie returns home to Queensland to sign for the Roar after playing for Westfield W-League side Melbourne Victory during the 2016/17 season.Â
Brisbane will also be boosted by the signing of former South West Queensland Thunder attacker Abbey Lloyd, with the talented striker putting pen to paper for a second consecutive season.
Goalkeeper Georgina Worth, who is known for her incredible penalty save against Newcastle Jets in last season’s competition, will again go head-to-head with Mackenzie Arnold for the No.1 jersey.
