Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that versatile and experienced defender Natalie Tathem has joined the club’s Ninja A-League squad on a two-year contract.
The 28-year-old has more than 40 ALW appearances to her name having spent several spells with both Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
Comfortable playing anywhere across the back four or in midfield, Tathem was a member of the Victory squad which claimed the Championship in 2021 and also helped Roar secure a second-place finish in 2019.
She is now excited to be a part of a new-look Glory squad and confident that the club can enjoy a successful 2024/25 campaign.
“Perth is a beautiful city,” she said, “and much like my hometown Brisbane, there is only one A-League team based in a such a big area.
“This offers a big opportunity for our home to be a fortress.
“Being on the opposing side, Perth has always been a tough team to come and play against and that’s really drawn me in.
“Alongside this, [Head Coach] Stephen [Peters] has had a lot of success at club level and has a very good reputation amongst the other players.
“So it is an exciting time to see what he can bring at this next level with the talented squad the club has put together.
“I have had a lot of friends play with Perth throughout my time in the A-League and have always heard positive things, so I am excited to be able to be involved at a club where we will feel valued as players and people on and off the pitch.
“In terms of targets, I feel there is no other goal than making Finals.
“I personally want to be able to help the team win matches while playing a good style of football and bring my winning mentality and experience from playing abroad to help hold our team to good standards.
“I feel as a player I offer positivity and energy on and off the pitch.
“I want to be able to make sure as a team we can come together and that every player can enjoy their football as I
feel, from experience, that this is when teams play at their best.”
Glory Head Coach Stephen Peters, meanwhile, believes that Tathem is a valuable addition to the squad.
“Natalie brings plenty of experience and know-how in terms of what is required to be successful in the ALW,” he said, “and that will really help our playing group.
“Her versatility is another of her main strengths and we believe that she will be a major asset for us both on and off the pitch.”
Further squad announcements will be made shortly.
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