Western United will go in search of a third straight win in the Liberty A-League Women, and Kat Smith could bring reinforcements for the trip to Hobart to face Central Coast Mariners in Round 15.
Tyla Jay Vlajnic and Catherine Zimmerman are both named in the extended squad and will be hoping to prove they are fit and ready to play a part for Smith’s side.
Vlajnic missed last week’s win over Melbourne City with a minor adductor strain but returned to training during the week and will be aiming to put herself back in contention for the matchday squad.
WATCH: Behind the scenes at Western United training in preparation for Hobart trip
Zimmerman was included in the extended squad for the first time as a Western United player last week and continues to eye her debut in Green and Black.
Both players would add significant quality and experience to an already red-hot United squad, one that continues to look to solidify its place in the top six.
Smith welcomed Kahli Johnson into the squad for the first time as Western United boss last week, and the No.10 reannounced herself her with a stunning goal off the bench.
Johnson will hope to keep building her minutes and will perhaps be eying a place in the starting line-up as she looks to continue a fine individual campaign to date.
Competition for places is rife across Smith’s squad, with the likes of Stacey Papadopoulos and Emma Robers hoping to break back into the starting XI, and youngster Avaani Prakash eying off her first start in professional football.
Hear from Kat Smith ahead of United’s first-ever Liberty A-League game against Central Coast
That competition and versatility across the squad gives Smith a number of options both in personnel and team shape, with a three-at-the-back system introduced in recent weeks alongside the familiar 4-3-3 structure.
Natasha Dakic has been a beneficiary of the shift in style and will be out to start consecutive matches for the first time in her professional career if Smith again elects to start three centre-backs.
Full Western United extended squad
Western United squad: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (gk), 2. Stacey PAPADOPOULOS, 4. Jaclyn SAWICKI, 6. Chloe LOGARZO, 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 9. Hannah KEANE, 10. Kahli JOHNSON, 11. Emma ROBERS, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 13. Avaani PRAKASH, 14. Natasha DAKIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, 20. Keiwa HIEDA, 21. Hillary BEALL (gk), 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO, 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN
Ins: 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 12. Lucy RICHARDS, 19. Tyla Jay VLAJNIC (returns from injury), 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 17. Raquel DERALAS (injured)
Match Details
Liberty A-League Women Round 15
Western United vs Central Coast Mariners
Saturday, 3 February
Kick-off: 2:15pm AEDT
North Hobart Oval, Hobart
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live and free 10 Play, and on Paramount+
Western United Football Club is supported by the Tasmanian Government for its series of matches in Hobart
