Perth Glory is delighted to confirm the signing of three New Zealand internationals, Lily Alfeld, Elizabeth Anton and Malia Steinmetz, for the Westfield W-League 2020/21 Season.
Defender Anton and central midfielder Steinmetz have both won senior caps and are current members of the Football Ferns squad, while goalkeeper Alfeld previously represented her country at Under-20 level.
The trio have been standout performers in New Zealand’s National Women’s League for Auckland Football Federation (Alfeld and Anton) and Northern Lights (Steinmetz) respectively and Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis believes that they will prove to be equally successful in the W-League.
“To have all three girls make the move from New Zealand to Perth is very exciting for me and the club,” he said.
“They each bring an exceptional attitude and are looking forward to playing a big part within the team once they get out of quarantine.
“Lily brings a lot of experience as a goalkeeper having played everything from US College to international football and her leadership and quality at the back is going to be an integral ingredient to ensuring we are strong and well set up.
“I have no doubt she will be a huge influence within the team and we are excited to have her on board this season.
“Liz has all the qualities and ability to be a real focal point in our defensive set up.
“She is comfortable with the ball at her feet and makes good decisions to go forward, but is equally strong in her defensive tasks.
“She comes with good international experience from the New Zealand Under-17, Under-20 and senior national team and seems to be a very focused individual who is ready to make a good impression within the competition this season.
“I have coached against Malia previously and having admired her for some time, am really excited to have the opportunity to coach her.
“She is strong, ball-winning midfielder with great passing qualities.
“As a previous New Zealand Under-20 captain and current member of the senior squad, Malia brings a wealth of leadership qualities and I think she will be a real asset to the team both on and off the field.”
The players themselves, meanwhile, are thrilled at the prospect of donning the famous purple this year.
“I’m so excited to sign with Perth Glory for the 2020/2021 season and the opportunity to train and play in a professional environment,” said Alfeld.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the girls shortly and getting to work!”
“I’m really looking forward to my first season here at Perth Glory as it’s my first overseas contract,” added Anton.
“I’m excited for the challenge and can’t wait to get out of self-isolation to start training and to meet the team.”
“I’m looking forward to getting absolutely stuck in to this environment with the players and coaches and building on every game together,” said Steinmetz.
“I’m so happy to just be here and know it’ll be an experience that will help me further my career.”
Further player announcements will be made in the coming days and Glory’s Westfield W-League Season will get underway on Tuesday 29 December 2020 when Canberra United will provide the opposition at Dorrien Gardens (kick-off at 6pm).
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with thanks to Phototek and JC Photography
