After a sixth-placed finish last year and the off-season loss of captain Emma Checker to Melbourne City, Adelaide coach Ivan Karlovic has a battle on his hands to ensure the Reds retain their competitiveness next season.

The first battle is retaining the current gems in the Adelaide squad, like 21-year-old Emily Condon, who in her seventh year in the City of Churches, is already the club's longest serving player.

Chelsie Dawber is another one to watch, with 30 goals in her previous WNPL campaign with Adelaide City proving the prolifacy is there, she just has to bring it to W-League level.

“We’re very happy that both Emily’s, Georgia, and Chelsie have all re-signed ahead of the new season,” Karlovic said.

“As a team we made great strides last year and we’re very confident ahead of the new season of making even more. 

“These four girls all worked incredibly hard during their off-season and I know how hungry they are to get going again.  

“Being able to retain the core of our squad will always be fundamental in making further progression and continue making steps towards finals football, achieving more great things for this club.” 

Condon maintains that the club can make finals for the first time with the current squad.

“This season hopefully we’re going to make finals this time for the first time,” Condon, who has scored seven goals in 53 appearances, told the club’s official website.

“Last season we were so close only to miss out by a point so hopefully we can take it that extra step and make the finals.”