Newcastle Jets have strengthened their Westfield W-League squad with the signings of Arin Gilliland, Tori Huster and Britt Eckerstrom.
Defender-turned-midfielder Gilliland, on loan from the Chicago Red Stars, returns to the Hunter for her second consecutive season.
“I’ve been looking forward to coming back since the moment I left last year, I’ve been chatting with Deansy [coach Craig Deans] and there was no doubt in my mind about returning to Newcastle,” said Gilliland.
“It’s a great getaway for us, Newcastle is an awesome town, a beautiful place and we get to play some great football here.
“Last year I played a lot more of a midfield role and got a lot of touches on the ball, which really helped improve my technique and was massive for my game back home (in the NWSL).
“I want to get plenty of opportunities in front of goal, improve my finishing and hopefully find the back of the net.”
Huster is back in the Hunter this season having previously played for the Jets in the 2012/13 and 2014/15 seasons.
“Just hearing how it’s grown and that the standard continues to improve, it’s really exciting for the (Westfield) W-League,” said Huster, who plays for Washington Spirit in the NWSL.
“Over the last couple of years of not being here, I definitely felt like I was missing out.
“Playing over here in a new system with new players is something I’m really looking forward too and is only going to benefit my game.”
Eckerstrom joins the club from NWSL champions Portland Thorns and this will be her first season in the Westfield W-League.
Deans will now await the return of Young Matildas Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler and Sophie Nenadovic who are currently on national duty in China.
The Jets’ Westfield W-League side open their campaign against Western Sydney Wanderers as part of a double-header with the Hyundai A-League at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
