Newcastle Jets Westfield W-League coach Craig Deans is putting the final pieces of his puzzle into place with the signing of a second international and another local talent.
Deans second international marquee for his 2016/17 squad, defender Arin Gilliland, joins her Chicago Red Stars teammate Jen Hoy in the Jets side, with the sides local contingent to be boosted with the addition of Newcastle’s Ashlee Brodigan.
Gilliland, 24, is going onto her third season with the Red Stars and is coming straight from camp with the USA national team.
Before her selection in the she has been in U-18, U-20 and U-23 Youth National Camps.
Unlike Hoy, this will be Gilliland’s second time to travel and play abroad. In 2014 Gilliland played in Canada’s W-League for the Ottawa Fury and led the team into the semi-finals, before the team folded that year.
This year, Gilliland cannot wait to see what the Newcastle Jets and Australia itself can offer her for her professional career.
“I want to challenge myself and grow in my technique on the ball as well as take bits and pieces that I can learn from players on my team here and implement them on my game.”
“I’m excited to see what Australia has to offer on and off the field and am coming with hopes to help take the Newcastle Jets to a historic season.” Gilliland said.
After a shocking injury to 2015/16 import Caprice Dydasco in the National Women’s Soccer League Championship she will unfortunately not be returning this year, suffering a torn left ACL and meniscus.
With losing Dydasco last minute, Deans couldn’t look past Gilliland and believed that she would be the best replacement.
“Once we knew we lost Caprice, we needed to replace her with a player who could bring the same attributes to the team as Caprice did and I am more than confident that Arin will be able to achieve that,” Deans said.
“She obviously will bring a lot of quality to the team having just been a part of the women’s US National squad and has also come off a successful season with Chicago.
“She will add a lot of versatility to the side as she can play in a number of positions, providing a lot of power, skill and energy.”
Deans has also resigned local talent Ash Brodigan who was in his 2015/16 Jets squad. After her selection in the Young Matildas camp in October, Deans couldn’t look past the talented young local and was quick to approach Brodigan again.
“Ash is a younger player but with plenty of potential to develop into a valuable squad member given the experience that surrounds her in the side,” Deans said.
“If she earns the opportunity to get some game time, I am sure the supporters will see her natural ability and creativity on the field.”
