Both Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers have bolstered their squads ahead of the new Ninja A-League season, signing two highly sought-after defenders.
Following her departure from the Wanderers, Perth Glory have moved quickly to snap-up versatile defender Ella Buchanan.
The 22-year-old joins the Glory after spending the past three seasons in Western Sydney where she made almost 50 Ninja A-League appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
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Primarily deployed at left-back, Buchanan featured in 20 matches last season, registering 68 tackles, 42 interceptions, 403 successful passes and creating 16 chances.
“I’m eager to join Perth Glory as I feel this is a great opportunity for me to not only grow as a player, but also as a person,” Buchanan said.
“The club has a great community backing it and whenever I have played at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, the fans have always created an atmosphere full of enthusiasm and belief.
“I hope to work alongside the girls to reflect that energy and passion on the pitch.
“I’m also looking forward to immersing myself in the club’s culture and putting my best foot forward each week to contribute to a successful Finals series.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes Buchanan’s versatility and experience will make her an important addition to the squad.
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“Ella is a great pick-up for us and we’re delighted to have her on board,” he said.
“As well as being a strong defender, she’s also very comfortable on the ball, likes to get forward and is versatile enough to play in several different positions at the back and in midfield.
“With nearly 50 games under her belt, Ella also brings plenty of experience and we’re confident that she will be an important player for us this year.”
So with Buchanan swapping Western Sydney for Western Australia the Wanderers have moved quickly to bolster their defensive unit, signing former Canberra defender Tegan Bertolissio on a two-year deal.
The highly rated defender arrives in Western Sydney after making 54 Ninja A-League appearances for Canberra United across the past three seasons, establishing herself as one of the competition’s brightest young defensive talents.
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Bertolissio spent her youth playing for Blacktown Spartans, Football NSW Institute and Macarthur Rams before stepping into the Ninja A-League as a teenager.
She has continued her rapid rise on the international stage earning selection in Australia’s AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup squad, recently captaining the Young Matildas in a two-match series against New Zealand and also receiving a senior Matildas train-on opportunity.Â
Bertolissio said she was excited to return to the area where she played youth football.Â
“The Wanderers feel like home to me. I grew up playing my youth football in Western Sydney, so coming back to represent this club is incredibly special.Â
“The history, the culture and, most importantly, the supporters make this club unique.
“The Wanderers fans are among the most passionate in Australia, and I can’t wait to pull on the jersey and give everything I have in front of them every week.”Â
Western Sydney Wanderers Football Director Mal Impiombato welcomed Bertolissio to the club.
“Tegan has already shown tremendous maturity at Ninja A-League level and has earned recognition through the national team pathway. We believe our environment is the perfect place for her to continue developing while contributing immediately to our squad.”
“We’re committed to investing in talented young Australian players, and Tegan is someone who embodies the values and ambition we want at this football club.”
