Western United will have some big returns across both teams this weekend while a pair of youngsters have also been promoted into the extended squads.
Kat Smith will be able to call upon Catherine Zimmerman for Friday night’s Ninja A-League Women trip to face Perth Glory.
The American attacker was named in last week’s extended squad but fell just short of making her first appearance since breaking her collarbone in a win over Western Sydney Wanderers in late January.
Now set to feature again for the Green and Black, Zimmerman is joined in the extended squad by Chloe Lincoln who will look to return in goal after missing last week’s game against Melbourne Victory due to a late return from Matildas duty. Alyssa Dall’Oste is out of the squad due to illness.
Talented 18-year-old attacker Alana Cortellino is back amongst the extended list and will be pushing for her first appearance of 2025.
In the Isuzu UTE A-League Men, there is a landmark return for centre-back James Donachie after almost five months out.
After playing in the opening round against Wellington Phoenix – ironically this week’s opponent – Donachie underwent calf surgery and has been working to return to the pitch for the final part of the season.
Secure your tickets for a huge day out at Ironbark Fields
The experienced defender is now ready to return to action and will aim to be included in the matchday squad, providing a huge boost to John Aloisi’s defence.
Youngster Jake Najdovski has been rewarded for a stunning start to the VPL 1 Men season with a recall to the first team squad, too.
The 19-year-old has scored seven goals in four matches to start the Academy season including a blistering hat-trick in last week’s 5-0 win over Manningham United.
Captain Ben Garuccio will unfortunately miss out again with a calf injury, while Abel Walatee is named after he was substituted early in last Friday’s win over Central Coast Mariners.
Full Western United Extended Squads
Isuzu UTE A-League Men
Western United squad: 4. James DONACHIE, 6. Tomoki IMAI, 7. Ramy NAJJARINE, 9. Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10. Matthew GRIMALDI, 13. Tate RUSSELL, 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI, 19. Noah BOTIC, 20. Abel WALATEE, 22. Kane VIDMAR, 23. Rhys BOZINOVSKI, 24. Michael RUHS, 29. Charbel SHAMOON, 30. Dylan LEONARD, 32. Angus THURGATE, 33. Matt SUTTON (gk), 37. Luke VICKERY, 44. Jordan LAUTON, 70. Michael VONJA (gk), 77. Riku DANZAKI
Ins: 4. James DONACHIE (returns from injury), 14. Jake NAJDOVSKI (promoted),
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 17. Ben GARUCCIO (injured)
Ninja A-League Women
Western United squad: 4. Claudia MIHOCIC, 5. Aimee MEDWIN, 6. Chloe LOGARZO (c), 7. Kiara DE DOMIZIO, 8. Sasha GROVE, 9. Sara EGGESVIK, 11. Sandra IBARGUEN, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Alana CORTELLINO, 20. Keiwa HIEDA, 22. Alana CERNE, 24. Julia SARDO, 26. Natalie PICAK (gk), 28. Isabel DEHAKIZ, 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN, 36. Chloe LINCOLN (gk)
Ins: 11. Sandra IBARGUEN, 16. Melissa TARANTO, 19. Alana CORTELLINO (promoted), 34. Catherine ZIMMERMAN, 36. Chloe LINCOLN (returns from international duty)
Outs: 1. Alyssa DALL’OSTE (illness), 10. Kahli JOHNSON (departed Club), 13. Avaani PRAKASH (omitted)
Unavailable: Nil
