Perth Glory have announced the signing of six Matildas headlined by club captain Collette McCallum, Matildas co-captain Kate Gill and young defender Caitlin Foord.

The Glory also confirmed the return of Sam Kerr and the signing of former Western Sydney Wanderers duo Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold.

“To have six Matildas’ players in the squad leading into a World Cup year is really going to benefit the team,” said head coach Jamie Harnwell.

“All of them will be desperate to perform and book their flight to Canada for next year and Perth Glory will be the beneficiary of that.”

The six internationals join Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky in the Glory squad as they build for a tilt at the finals.

“Obviously I don’t want to speak too soon but I don’t think finals, and even winning the league, is out of our reach," said defender Alanna Kennedy.

"Hopefully we can put something together and do well this year."

Along with Kerr, Kennedy and Arnold, Caitlin Foord was rumoured to be on her way to Perth and her signing is a big coup for the Glory with the 2011 AFC Young Player of the Year set to play outside of New South Wales for the first time.

Foord, who is currently with Sky Blue FC in the NSWL, is widely considered one of the best young players in the world and can be deployed in attack or in defence. Her signing gives Harnwell added flexibility in attack and defence.

Meanwhile seasoned performers McCallum and Gill provide steady leadership for the Glory. McCallum has over 70 caps for the Matildas and is considered one of the best players Australia has produced, while Gill is the all time leading Australian goalscorer.

“It’s fantastic to bring in so many quality players and characters into the Perth Glory squad,” Harnwell continued.

“Our aim is to get back into the top four and with the signings we have made, we have the potential to do that.”

Arnold, Kennedy, McCallum and Gill are already training with Perth Glory, while Zadorsky arrives next week and Kerr and Foord in early September.

Perth Glory kick-off their W-League season at home on Sunday, September 14 against another Matildas laden side, Brisbane Roar.