Perth Glory have signed former Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar defender Natalie Tathem on a two-year contract ahead of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League season.
The 28-year-old has 55 league appearances to her name split across multiple stints at both the Roar and Victory.
A member of the Victory’s 2020-21 Championship-winning squad, Tathem brings experience and versatility to the Perth Glory squad, and is capable of playing in any position across the backline and midfield.
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Tathem last played in the Ninja A-League at Victory in 2022-23 and returns to the competition from English club Salford City Lionesses.
The Brisbane-born defender says joining the Glory squad under the club’s new head coach Stephen Peters was an exciting prospect.
“Perth is a beautiful city,” she said. “And much like my hometown Brisbane, there is only one A-League team based in such a big area. This offers a big opportunity for our home to be a fortress.
“Being on the opposing side, Perth has always been a tough team to come and play against and that’s really drawn me in.
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“Alongside this, Stephen (Peters) has had a lot of success at club level and has a very good reputation amongst the other players.
“So it is an exciting time to see what he can bring at this next level with the talented squad the club has put together.
“I have had a lot of friends play with Perth throughout my time in the A-League and have always heard positive things, so I am excited to be able to be involved at a club where we will feel valued as players and people on and off the pitch.
“In terms of targets, I feel there is no other goal than making Finals. I personally want to be able to help the team win matches while playing a good style of football and bring my winning mentality and experience from playing abroad to help hold our team to good standards.
“I feel as a player I offer positivity and energy on and off the pitch. I want to be able to make sure as a team we can come together and that every player can enjoy their football as I feel, from experience, that this is when teams play at their best.”
Tathem is set to join a new-look Glory squad as the club’s 12th new signing of the off-season, alongside Gabby Hollar, Naomi Chinnama, Ella Abdul-Massih, Sarah O’Donoghue, Tijan McKenna, Ischia Brooking, Onyinyechi Zogg, Kelli Brown, Megan Wynne, Miranda Templema and Jessica Skinner.
The busy transfer window has been overseen by Peters who, ahead of his first campaign as a Ninja A-League head coach, has lauded Tathem as an important acquisition.
“Natalie brings plenty of experience and know-how in terms of what is required to be successful in the (Ninja A-League),” he said, “and that will really help our playing group.
“Her versatility is another of her main strengths and we believe that she will be a major asset for us both on and off the pitch.”
