South Melbourne FC would like to confirm the addition of four players to its NPLW senior roster ahead of the 2018 season opener this week.
Sarah Richardson is the first addition, who will be joining the club from Heidelberg United. The hard working and creative midfielder has a wealth of experience in Victoria’s top flight, having played with Bundoora United and Bendigo Vipers in the Women’s Premier League. As part of this, she also spent numerous years with the FFV State Squad and Melbourne Victory Women’s team.
In her time with Bendigo, she also burst onto the scene as a highly talented youngster, while also winning the WPL Golden Boot in the 2010 season.
Joining Richardson in midfield will be Championship Winner Julia Nicolaci, who has re-signed for the 2018 season. Nicolaci was an integral part of midfield in our WNPL Championship last season and will once again provide us with another fantastic attacking option.
As well as the experienced duo, the club has also promoted both Chelsea Blisset and Leah Scroggie from last season’s Under 18 squad. Having played in senior matches at times throughout the second half of last season, the club is excited to promote two fantastic young prospects into the senior squad.
Speaking to smfc.com.au, Director of Women’s Football Gabrielle Giuliano was pleased with the four additions to the squad. “it is exciting to welcome a combination of both experience and youth to our senior squad for the upcoming season. While we are certain that both Sarah and Julia will add a tremendous amount of experience and quality into our midfield, we are also very excited to see some of our youth prospects also given a chance to grow as footballers. We wish them all the best for the upcoming season.”
The club would also like to confirm that championship winners Antonia Niteros, Victoria Argyropoulos and Caitlin Greiser will sit out the 2018 season, with the trio taking a year off for personal reasons. SMFC would like to thank each of them for their contributions to the club and wishes them the best for the upcoming year without football.