Glory finalises squad

Doncaster Belles captain Katie Holtham joins Glory | (Credit: Doncaster Rover Belles)

Perth Glory have announced their squad for the 2011/12 Westfield W-League.  New coach Jamie Harnwell's team is filled with a host of local talent and the first time coach will be looking to take the club into their first finals series. "This is a different squad to what we have previously seen at Perth Glory," said Harnwell.

"It will be difficult to cover the loss of three key Matildas players, but we are confident that we have a team that can compete in the W-League and hopefully finish in the finals for the first time.

Those key Matildas are the experienced Katie Gill, Sam Kerr and Matildas' vice captain Collette McCallum, who has elected not to take part in the upcoming season due to personal reasons.  As well as the loss of the national team players, international trio Alexandra Nielsson, Tine Cederkvist and Alex Singer have also not returned

Coming into the squad are several local faces new to the W-League with most sourced from the state's successful NTC program.

The new signings include local young midfielder Sarah Carroll who recently returned from Australian U16s duties in New Zealand and defender Shawn Billam (Senior NTC).  Glory have also picked up Young Matildas pair Mackenzie Arnold and Erika Elze, with Elze coming from reigning champions Brisbane Roar.

The Glory have also gained some experience with Katie Holtham joining from the English Women's Super League side Doncaster Belles.  Meanwhile Ella Mastrantonio returns to control the midfield after an excellent season at Melbourne Victory and defender Tanya Oxtoby will once again lead the team for a fourth season.

"We have introduced some new young faces and I am looking forward to seeing how they develop over the course of the season.

"We have also been fortunate to add some experience with the English signing of Doncaster Rovers Belles captain Katie Holtham and I am excited to see what she will bring to the team."

The squad is still not yet complete with the club currently in negotiations with two more international players to add extra quality to the strong home-based squad.

Perth Glory's first match will be away to Melbourne Victory on Saturday 22 October at the Veneto Club, Bulleen.