A-League Women’s 2023: Matildas star Kyah Simon joins Central Coast Mariners

The relaunched Central Coast Mariners have scored a signing coup in the A-League Women’s with the arrival of veteran Matilda Kyah Simon.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 30: Kyah Simon of the Matildas celebrates scoring her team's only goal during game two of the International Friendly series between the Australia Matildas and the United States of America Women's National Team at McDonald Jones Stadium on November 30, 2021 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

It is possibly the biggest signing of the A-League’s Women’s competition Matildas’ striker Kyah Simon has joined the relaunched Central Coast Mariners.

Simon, 32, was named in the Matildas’ World Cup squad despite carrying an injury and wasn’t called on during the tournament.

She was released from English WSL team Tottenham Hotspur after two seasons with the side.

With 108 A-League appearances, including six grand finals and 50 goals Simon is no stranger to the Aussie domestic competition.

The striker has 111 international caps to her name – scoring 29 goals for her country in the process.

Simon becomes the sixth Matilda to join the A-League Women’s for the 2023/24 season alongside teammates Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC), Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar), Elise Kellond-Knight (Melbourne Victory), Lydia Williams (Melbourne Victory) and Emily Gielnik (Melbourne Victory).

Going into the World Cup just two of the Matildas played in the Australian domestic competition.

𝐊𝐘𝐀𝐇 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊! ✍️🌴

The Matildas forward has signed with the Mariners ahead of the A-League Women’s season! Welcome back, Kyah! 💛💙

Story 👉 https://t.co/74ttJwIozH
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— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) September 22, 2023

Having so many international stars, including several from the Philippines and New Zealand World Cup teams in the competition, means it should be a very competitive season ahead.

It is full circle for Simon who started her professional football career with Central Coast Mariners before moving to Sydney FC and Melbourne City.

Simon said she was excited to pull on the yellow and navy this season.

“I’m really pleased to have signed for Central Coast and to be back here in Australia playing in the A-League. Mariners being my first A-League club in the inaugural season, they’ve always held a special place in my heart and it’s a real full circle moment for me,” Simon said.

“The closer I came to this decision, the more it felt right for a number of reasons, coming off a really difficult 10 or so months it was a priority of mine to be somewhere I felt supported and to be in an environment surrounded by the best medical care and resources.

“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the girls and hopefully can help the team in any way I can in making this season a special and memorable one.”

Mariners Head Coach Emily Husband said signing Simon was a huge boost for the club.

Simon has 111 caps to her name. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“The versatility and quality Kyah possesses as a forward, who has experience in some of the best leagues in women’s football, is an exciting signing for us,” Husband said.

“Her international career speaks for itself as she has scored in both the Olympic Games and World Cups.

“To bring that experience and proven ability to score in big moments to the Central Coast is excellent. Kyah has a fantastic character, and she will make an immediate impact on the group.”

Gielnik’s move to Melbourne Victory was also revealed on Friday.

“I’m excited to be back at Victory and working with Jeff (Hopkins) and the team for the upcoming season and I can’t wait to get started,” Gielnik said.

“I had a great experience during my first stint at the Club, winning Victory’s first Premiership in the A-League Women’s competition, and I’m looking forward to achieving more success with the squad this season.

“Jeff and the team have created a formidable environment over the past couple of seasons and I want to contribute to that the best I can by scoring goals and lifting trophies with the team.”

The A-League Women’s competition, which will include 22 games, kicks off on October 14.