A-League Women: New Canberra United signings optimistic about better results for upcoming season

Canberra United have made mass changes ahead of the new Ninja A-League season. Read why two of their new signings are optimistic about 2024/25.

The only way is up for Canberra United this A-League Women’s season.

After barely avoiding the wooden spoon in 2023/24, Canberra is a near-brand new side under new coach Antoni Jagarinec for the new season, kicking off in a month’s time.

Eight new players have been confirmed so far including Bethany Gordon, who started her career in Canberra back in 2017.

“I’m excited, coming back to Canberra,” Gordon said.

“Obviously, (the club) has had a lot of changeover, but there’s still a consistent base there.

“Going back there, I just want to build on what I already started seven years ago and what the club has been consistently with the league.”

Bethany Gordon got her A-League break with Canberra United in 2017. Picture: Ben Southall

The results Canberra produced last season were not what fans have come to expect from the club, with just six wins earning an 11th place finish and marking their worst result in 16 seasons in the league.

The on-field performance was exacerbated by the club’s uncertain future, with emergency funding from the ACT government needed to keep the team alive for a 17th season.

One shining light for the struggling club was the revitalised Michelle Heyman, who claimed the golden boot with 17 goals during the season and earned her first Matildas call-up since 2019.

New Zealand international Elizabeth Anton said the prospect of playing alongside Heyman was a big factor in her decision to move to Canberra from Perth Glory.

“I had a really good chat with Antoni so I think that kind of just drew me (in),” Anton said.

“And obviously the club has got Michelle (Heyman) and that’s a real draw card, especially as a defender.”

Joining Gordon and Anton as new signings this season are former Western United midfielder Emma Robers, Aideen Keane and Jynaya Dos Santos from Sydney FC, Darcey Malone from Melbourne City, goalkeeper Sally James from Perth Glory and Maja Markovski from Melbourne Victory.

The line-up also features some young, up and coming talent including 18-year-old Mary Stanic-Floody, Tegan Bertolissio and goalkeeper Georgia Ritchie.

“It’s a very fresh squad,” Anton said about her new team.

“And I think it will be good to see where we can end up.”

Originally published as A-League Women: New Canberra United signings optimistic about better results for upcoming season