Western United has locked in some of the key pieces of the puzzle as it prepares for another A-League women’s season.
United has announced five re-signings in the past week to go with a number of new signings already revealed.
Melissa and Adrienne Taranto will continue building their legacies at United after committing to a third straight season.
The twins were the fourth and fifth players to be announced as foundation players and have been staples for United ever since, both ranking in the top four in total appearances for the club.
After signing on together with her sister for season three, Melissa is as bold as ever in her ambition to bring success to the club.
“I am so excited for this season,” she said. “To make it to a finals series two years in a row being a new club was such an amazing feeling, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
“This year, finally having a full season at home will be the biggest difference. Hopefully we can turn a final into a championship this year.”
Adriana added a similar sentiment and has her full focus towards getting on the pitch as soon as possible and having an impact on the season as she recovers from an ACL injury.
“Being able to represent Western again is truly an honour, and to be able to play a full home and away season at home in Tarneit is super exciting,” she said.
Goalkeepers Alyssa Dall’Oste and Natalie Picak are also locked in.
A foundation player, Dall’Oste seized a starting role for parts of last season, amassing eight appearances in total.
Picak joined United last season after winning the National Premier League women’s Victoria goalkeeper of the year award and attending a Young Matildas training camp in August 2023.
Both are products of Calder United.
“This is going to be a big year for us as a team building on what we did last season,” Dall’Oste said “It wasn’t the ending that we all wanted, but that is going to drive us to push that extra bit to take it all the way this season,”
Picak added, “having a taste of what it’s like at Ironbark last season was exciting.
“The atmosphere the fans created was electric and we could all feel the difference. I wait to feel that all season long.”
Another foundation player in Julia Sardo is also back for a third season.
The right-back relished a heightened role last season, increasing her appearances, starts and minutes played from the previous year.
“Getting to the finals twice is a massive achievement, and we are all fuelled up to win it this year,” she said.
“It’s going to be amazing to be able to play in front of our fans at our own home ground at Ironbark Fields.”
