Matildas trio head new look Glory

Collette McCallum returns to the W-League | TWG

A trio of Matildas, two familiar and one new, head up the new look Perth Glory Women as their squad for the 2012/13 W-League season was released yesterday.

Former Brisbane Roar midfielder and current Matilda Aivi Luik is a welcome addition to the squad as she joins locals Collette McCallum and Kate Gill in boosting the Perth outfit for Season Five.

McCallum returns after a seasons sojourn from the W-League and a season with the Lincoln Lades in the English Women's Super League.  Meanwhile Gill will continue her strong return from an ACL injury, which kept her out for most of 2011, to lead the Glory strike force.

Coach Jamie Harnwell is pleased with the addition of the experienced trio to compliment the young local emerging local talent.

“These three players will have a huge influence on the team this season and really give us a solid core of players that our younger players can learn from,”

“We have managed to assemble a strong squad and credit must go to Football West for their backing of this team," he said.

"The players are focused on having a good season and I believe a finals position should be within reach with the talent we have available.”

Defensively the Glory Women have looked to restock with internationals being brought in as the foundations.  England and Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford takes up the No.1 with former

Canadian Women's National Team defender Sasha Andrews, young New Zealand international Liz Milne and former Canberra United defender Bronwyn Studman set to form the core in the back third.

“Sasha is an imposing centre-half with a great deal of experience,” said Harnwell.

“She has only joined in a couple of sessions but you can just see the presence she brings and will be a huge addition to strengthening our back line."

"I have had great reports about Carly," he said of the 25 year old Chelsea custodian.

"She is a leader who is playing at the top level in Europe and we are extremely fortunate to have signed her."

Harnwell has also kept faith with a host of West Australian talent.  Midfielders Ella Mastrantonio, Shannon May and Marianna Tabain retain their place in the squad.  While Jaymee Gibbons, Shawn Billam, Zoe Palandri and Thea Eastman have all been rewarded for their work in the NTC .

With the exit of foundation captain Tanya Oxtoby, the Glory will have new leadership this season with Matildas vice-captain Collette McCallum donning the captain's armband for Season Five.

“Collette’s choice as captain was an easy one for me,” explained Harnwell.

“Already at training you can see the drive she has and the ability to improve players around her."

"Collette has the respect of the coaching staff and the players and is the ideal person to lead us this season.”

The Perth Glory Women kick off their season on Sunday 21 October when they host last season's semi-finalists the Melbourne Victory at Inglewood’s Intiga Stadium.

Perth Glory Squad