Adriana Taranto will be adding more Matildas firepower to the Western United squad after re-signing with the Club for the 2025/26 season following her historic national team call-up.
The foundation player is set to enter her first Matildas camp for a pair of matches against Panama in Perth alongside Western United teammate Chloe Berryhill.
That selection has been earned on the back of three scintillating seasons in the Ninja A-League Women with Western United and an even longer period of success in the West with a trophy-laden spell at Calder United, Western’s partner club, in NPLW Victoria.
Since debuting in the Western United’s inaugural fixture against Melbourne Victory, Taranto has amassed 55 appearances, six goals and seven assists in Green and Black, cementing herself as a fan favourite and one of the most exciting local talents in the competition.
Her relentless determination is as impressive as her footballing ability, typified by her stunning recovery from ACL surgery, returning to the pitch within 10 months and finishing the season with 15 straight appearances.
Taranto is right at home at Ironbark Fields and said she has her sights set on bringing bigger things to the fans in Tarneit.
“I am so excited to sign at Western again for a fourth straight season. I love the Western family and being home in Tarneit in front of our fans is an amazing feeling,” she said.
“It has been a crazy year for me, but I wouldn’t change it at all. I would not have been able to achieve anything without the support of the Club, my teammates, my family and friends.
“I am going to continue to work hard and do everything I can to help this Club be successful and to be the best version of myself.”
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Taranto’s signature was one of the first the Club wanted to retain for next season.
“Adriana has been the backbone of our program for a number of years now, going back to the foundations she laid at Calder United and the impact she has had since stepping into our environment,” he said.
“Her rise to success in becoming a Matilda is an incredible achievement for her and just reward for everything that she has committed to, both as a footballer and a person.
“She is the perfect ambassador for our Club first and foremost and a fantastic leader and player on the pitch. We are ecstatic to have her sign on for season 2025/26.”
Taranto’s re-signing makes her the seventh player to have already committed for next season with Kiara De Domizio, Claudia Mihocic and Julia Sardo all recently putting pen to paper on new deals.
Before she gets back to wearing the Green and Black, Taranto will be eying a Matildas debut and a memorable moment in Perth with the whole Club watching on in support.
