Adelaide United have announced the re-signings of Isabel Hodgson, Chelsie Dawber, Ella Tonkin, and Meleri Mullan for the upcoming W-League season.
Hodgson started all 12 matches while scoring two goals predominantly as a full-back last campaign.
The 25-year-old is entering her seventh season with the Reds where she has registered a total of 45 appearances and four goals.
Hodgson had spent the offseason in Sydney with Bankstown City Lions before returning last month to Adelaide City in the Women’s National Premier League (WNPL).
Speaking on recommitting with the Club, Hodgson said “I’m excited to be back again for another season.”
“Last year was a lot of fun and I felt like I adapted well to playing in a more defensive role.
“I believe we improved so much as a team and I’m eagerly anticipating seeing our group progress further.”
Meanwhile, Dawber returns for her fifth campaign with the Reds after debuting in 2017 and experienced her most prolific season to date last term.
The 21-year-old scored five goals in eight matches to claim the W-League Golden Boot for the Club.
The striker has continued her scintillating form with Adelaide City during the SA WNPL campaign, scoring 15 goals in 11 games in all competitions so far.
After putting pen-to-paper on a new deal, Dawber said “Last season was my best so far in the W-League.”
“I was able to regularly contribute to the team by scoring goals and I really want to build on that moving forward.
“We came so close to reaching finals and, while it was disappointing to fall just short, I’m optimistic we can book a place this year if we play to our potential and build on our progress.”
After making her debut during the 2018/19 campaign, Meleri Mullan returned to the Reds last season and featured in 11 games.
The 21-year-old attacker spent the offseason with Bankstown City Lions in Sydney before returning last month to SA Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) outfit Salisbury Inter.
Speaking about re-signing with the Club, Mullan said “I’m absolutely thrilled to be re-signing with Adelaide United.”
“While I was happy with my contributions in a record-breaking season for the Club last year, I want to push myself even further and do as much as I can for our group this upcoming season.
“We have an amazing group of people who have contributed to the successful culture that has been established at the Club.
“After last season’s heartbreaking end, I know we have some unfinished business, which is something I know this group can achieve and is why I can’t wait for the season to begin”.
Meanwhile, Ella Tonkin is back with United for a third successive season and has previously made two substitute appearances for the Reds. The 18-year-old defender has spent the offseason with Football SA NTC in the WNPL, scoring one goal in 10 appearances.
After signing her contract, Tonkin said “I’m really excited to be back and pushing for more first-team opportunities in what is a really competitive squad.
“Training every day at this level last year really helped improve my game, and if I continue to work hard, I’ll give myself the best chance of getting more minutes under my belt.
“I’m also hoping we can make the finals for the first time in our history too.”
Speaking about the re-capture of the players, Adelaide United’s W-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta said: “Isabel and Chelsie are two integral players in our squad.
“They both enjoyed really positive seasons last year and having them on board again is a huge boost for our Club.
“Chelsie was excellent and was able to carry her strong form in the WNPL into the W-League, while Isabel showed a lot of poise playing as a full-back.”
“Both Meleri and Ella have really progressed as players during their time with the Club.
“Both girls are still quite young and only at the beginning of their careers, but they’re on the right path to fulfilling their potentials and being successful.
“Their additions certainly bolster the depth in the squad and I’m very happy to have them return.”
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