Western United ALW Team News: Round 9 vs Perth Glory

Kat Smith has named her 18-player extended squad for her first home match as Western United’s Liberty A-League Women Head Coach.

Coming off a defeat in tough conditions against Newcastle Jets last week, there are no fresh injury concerns for Smith to manage with a near identical squad being named.

Kahli Johnson misses out again, however, as she recovers from a lower leg knock that she sustained while on international duty.

The No.10 is yet to feature under Smith, who said there would be no rushing the 19-year-old back into the squad in order to best manage her fitness.

Kiara De Domizio comes into the extended squad in Johnson’s place, hoping to feature in the matchday squad for the first time since Round 1.

Fresh from her 17^th birthday, Avaani Prakash is also in the extended squad and will be eager to earn her first minutes under Smith.

The talented attacking midfielder has featured twice so far this season and shown her quality in both appearances, each of which have been in home matches at City Vista.

Julia Sardo and Stacey Papadopoulos have both impressed in the full-back positions in recent weeks and will hope to start again, while Lucy Richards will aim for more contribution on the flanks.

Adriana Taranto and Tyla Jay Vlajnic have played on the wings in Smith’s two games in charge with the likes of Keiwa Hieda, Prakash and De Domizio all providing competition.

Catherine Zimmerman and Raquel Deralas remain longer term absentees and continue to go through their respective recoveries.

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, 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

Ins: 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO (promoted), 13. Avaani PRAKASH

Outs: Nil

Unavailable: 10. Kahli JOHNSON (injured), 17. Raquel DERALAS (injured), 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN (injured)