Melbourne looking to take the next step Melbourne looking to take the next step

Much has changed since these two teams jostled for a semi-final berth last term when Melbourne ultimately edged ahead of Perth to appear in their maiden finals campaign. However this season could be very different with the Glory losing a host of talent, while the Victory have strengthened further after their breakthrough season.

Vicki Linton has retained the core of last year's squad including one-time USA international Kendall Fletcher and England striker Jodie Taylor. Notably, Westfield Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri has departed for Newcastle Jets with exciting teenage prospect Brianna Davey to assume the No1 shirt.

Eight new faces are in the squad including a host of local talent with the most significant addition being experienced American defender Danielle Johnson of New Jersey based professional side Sky Blues FC.

Taking charge of the WA side will be Jamie Harnwell, with the long-serving Perth Glory stalwart facing a baptism of fire after losing three of the most talented players in the Australian game.

Young tyro Sam Kerr and AFC Women’s Asian Player of the Year Kate Gill are both recovering from knee reconstructions, while midfield ace Collette McCallum has elected to take the season off. A youthful squad will look to the experience of new signing, midfielder Katie Holtham from English Super League club Doncaster Belles.

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory

Saturday 22 October 2011

Veneto Club, Bulleen, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 5pm

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Brianna DAVEY, 2.Rebekah STOTT, 3. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 4.Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Danielle JOHNSON, 6. Rita MANKOWSKA, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 8. Ashley BROWN, 9. Georgie KOUTROUVELIS, 10. Jodie TAYLOR (c), 11. Caitlin FRIEND, 12. Jackie VOGT, 14. Enza BARILLA, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Louisa BISBY, 18. Stephanie TANTI, 19. Laura SPIRANOVIC, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI

Unavailable: 13. Katrina GORRY (Injured), 17. Gulcan KOCA (overseas)

Perth Glory squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold, 2. Shawn Billam, 3. Carys Hawkins, 4 Erika Elze, 5 Shannon May, 6 Katarina Jukic, 7 Sadie Lawrence, 8 Tanya Oxtoby, 9 Katie Holtham, 10 Jaymee Gibbons, 11 Ella Mastrantonio, 13 Elisa D’Ovidio, 14 Emily Dunn, 15 Lara Filocamo, 17 Marianna Tabain, 19 Sarah Carroll

*one to be omitted*

Unavailable: Nil