Western United has fortified its talented young defensive core in the Ninja A-League Women with the double swoop of FC Bulleen Lions stars Isabel Dehakiz and Claudia Mihocic.
Dehakiz won the NPLW Victoria Players’ Player of the Year at last week’s Victorian Football Gala having previously played professionally in Colombia and been on the Portland Thorns roster as a World Cup replacement player.
Mihocic brings ready-made Ninja A-League experience to Ironbark Fields with 16 appearances for Perth Glory and has represented Australia with the Junior and Young Matildas.
Continuing their partnership together in the Ninja A-League, both players are ready to make an impact with Western United.
“It feels great to have signed my first A-League contract, especially here at Western. That was my goal in coming here, and FC Bulleen gave me a great stepping stone to get there,” Dehakiz said.
“I just can’t wait to meet everyone, to put on the jersey with everyone and fill in whatever role on the field or off the field.”
Mihocic added:
“I’m very excited to have signed with Western United. Every facet of the team over the past few years has been strong, and I’m really looking forward to hopping into that.
“Ironbark Fields is the perfect place for the fans to come out – the stadium is great, it’s Green and Black. I know the active support are loud on the drums and with the chants. That’s the type of culture we want to see at the games, so if everyone can come out that would be amazing.”
Western United head coach Kat Smith said Dehakiz and Mihocic’s qualities add to an incredibly exciting defensive group for the green and Black.
“We are delighted to bring Izzy and Claudia to the Club, further strengthening our talented core of defensive players in our squad,” she said.
“Both players have shown their excellence in possession and their strength defensively which will help us in all phases of the game.
“We are looking to play an exciting brand of football, and it’s not just the attackers that will contribute to that. All of our defensive players are blessed with supreme talent and ambition and I can’t wait to see them come together.”
Dehakiz and Mihocic join Alana Cortellino in signing on for Western United having been part of Bulleen’s NPLW Premiership and NIKE F.C. Cup-winning side.
The pair will join their new teammates when pre-season training kicks off at Ironbark Fields next week as Smith and her side prepare for another exhilarating Ninja A-League season.
Sign on with Izzy and Claudia and don’t miss a minute of the best in women’s football competing in Tarneit. Become a Western United member today.
