Western United have signed 17-year-old CommBank Junior Matildas winger Alana Cortellino to a two-year contract ahead of the 2024-25 Liberty A-League season.
Cortellino, who hails from Keilor Park in north-west Melbourne, is a product of the local area who has expressed her pride in preparing to represent the region as a Western United player in season 2024-25.
The Calder United junior has developed into a player to watch in the future; Cortellino joins Western after a stellar stint at NPLW VIC side Bulleen Lions in which the teenager has scored six goals in 19 league appearances this season.
Alana Cortellino.
Ahead of her first season in the Liberty A-League, Cortellino says the opportunity to represent Western United and the local region is an immense source of pride.
“It’s definitely a great feeling. I’ve been working hard to get here. My parents are proud, and it was just a great feeling telling my family about it,” she said.
“Representing this whole area in the West, knowing that I get to play and represent everyone that lives here is a great feeling. I can’t wait to start playing.”
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Cortellino is a Junior Matilda who, in 2022, won the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Under-18 Women’s Championship representing Australia alongside fellow Western United youngster Avaani Prakash.
The 17-year-old is the third signing of the off-season for Western and head coach Kat Smith after the recruitment of Chloe Lincoln and Sasha Grove – both from Canberra United.
Smith says Cortellino has the potential to follow the trend of young players seizing opportunities in the A-Leagues throughout the duration of her two-season deal at the club.
“We have seen a number of young talents make big leaps in the Liberty A-League in recent years and we firmly believe that Alana has the potential to be the next in line to do so,” Smith said.
“Her qualities as an attacker are raw and unteachable – pace, skill, work rate and an understanding of the game beyond her years.
“The fact that she is born and bred in the West makes this an even more perfect signing for our football club, and I can’t wait to see her represent our community in Tarneit this season.”
