All the latest squad news and who to watch out for from Adelaide United ahead of Season 3
Adelaide United
After two tough seasons in the Westfield W-League, Adelaide United are looking to close the gap on the finalists this season. The inaugural season saw them win two matches but finish bottom of the table so by the end of last season a seventh place finish could be seen as an improvement.
However, this time round they-re a much more confident unit heading into season 3 of the competition. One such player who will be itching to get involved is Ruth Blackburn who missed the entire season after breaking her ankle.
This time round she-s fit and ready to make her debut when United kick-off against Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh on the 6th November. Blackburn will be like a new player for Adelaide as they bid to pick up the home points.
Another player gunning for a start in the opener will be Stacey Day who is formerly of the Newcastle Jets. The no nonsense defender Day played eight times for Newcastle last season and will be a much needed addition to the squad who conceded more goals than any other side last season.
Aside from the defenders, Adelaide have also added several other names to their squad in their bid to improve on last season-s finish. Katrina Gorry, Vedrana Popovic, Loren Mahoney all join the likes of Day and Blackburn in pushing for a first team spot this year.
In particular from the new players, one to watch is Katrina Gorry, who is nicknamed “Mini” pocket rocket and will be chomping at the bit to prove herself after coming down from Brisbane. Returning captain Christina Papageorgiou will also be important whilst USL W-League import Ashleigh Gunning has arrived in the country just in time for the opening weekend’s match.
Local girl Georgia Macri has also been added to the squad.
With all the departures and arrivals, Adelaide United will probably take a little time to gel but the new players coming in will add hunger and quality to a squad that-s not reached its potential over the last couple of years. Only time will tell for Adelaide-s new look squad but as long as they keep moving in the direction they-ve been going the season should be an interesting one.
Adelaide United Squad
Westfield W-League Season Three
Sian McLAREN, Ashleigh GUNNING, Ruth BLACKBURN, Stacey DAY, Racheal QUIGLEY, Katrina GORRY, Ruth WALLACE, Victoria BALOMENOS, Vedrana POPOVIC, Selin KURALAY, Loren MAHONEY, Donna COCKAYNE, Katherine EBBS, Christina PAPAGEORGIOU, Angela FIMMANO, Georgia MACRI, Nenita BURGESS,
Kristi HARVEY
CONFIRMED ARRIVALS:
Katrina Gorry, Vedrana Popovic, Stacey Day and Loren Mahoney. Ruth Blackburn(signed last season but didn-t play due to injury), Georgia Macri
CONFIRMED DEPARTURES:
Thomai Kezios (focus on study), Marijana Rajcic (ACL injury, out for season), Georgia Chapman (released), Katerina Bexis (focus on study), Lauren Chilvers (focus on study), Tenneille Boaler (released), Karina Roweth (released), Rochelle Kuhar (focus on career), Greta French-Kennedy (was long term injury replacement player)
Adelaide-s Fixtures
November:
Sat 6, 2:30 PM
Newcastle Jets
Hindmarsh Stadium
Sat 13, 12:00 PM
Perth Glory
nib Stadium, Perth
Sat 20, 3:00 PM
Sydney FC
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Fri 26, 4:45 PM
Melbourne Victory
Hindmarsh Stadium
December:
Sat 4, 5:00 PM
Canberra United
Deakin Football Stadium, Canberra
Fri 10, 4:45 PM
Brisbane Roar
Hindmarsh Stadium
Sat 18, 2:30 PM
Sydney FC
Hindmarsh Stadium
January:
Sat 8, 3:00 PM
Newcastle Jets
Wanderers Oval, Newcastle
Sat 15, 2:30 PM
Perth Glory
Hindmarsh Stadium
Sat 29, 5:00 PM
Melbourne Victory
John Cain Memorial Park, Thornbury
