Experienced defender makes Mariners return after 15-year absence: ‘I’m so excited’

Central Coast Mariners have signed 34-year-old central defender Jessica Seaman for the remainder of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.

Seaman last played for the Mariners in the 2009 Ninja A-League campaign; 15 years later, the experienced defender returns to the club on an injury replacement contract following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to Ash Irwin.

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Seaman’s most recent stint in the Ninja A-League was at Sydney FC in 2023 after a nine-year absence from the competition. Now, the defender is back on the Coast for her second Mariners spell and is available to play for Emily Husband’s side in Sunday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix at Industree Group Stadium.

“I’m so excited to be back at the Mariners and to be able to finish off the season with this club,” Seaman said.

“I can’t wait to step out onto the pitch, put on the Yellow and Navy and play for the Coast.

“It is so great to be back in the A-League Women’s competition. I didn’t think that I would be back again, so to get the call from Emily was amazing and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Mariners head coach Emily Husband added: “Having Jess come into the team for the remainder of the season, we needed someone who was ready to hit the ground running. She is exactly that, having been training in the NPL, and is ready to immediately slot in,” Husband said.

“To have her experience in the back line within games will aid us greatly in both winning and dominating matches. She is someone who reads the game well, is a great communicator and will help lead games from the back.”  

Featured image credit: Central Coast Mariners

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