Canberra United’s backline has been bolstered as young defenders Jessika Nash and Clare Hunt signed with the club for the upcoming Westfield W-League season.
Clare Hunt will return to Canberra United after spending the 2016/17 and 2017/18 Westfield W-League seasons with the club.
After knee injuries kept on the sidelines for several years, Hunt made a successful return to football this season, playing with Sydney University in the NSW NPLW.
The 21-year-old defender said she was excited to return to Canberra United and the Westfield W-League.
“I have been out of the Westfield W-League now for a little while so I am excited to come back to Canberra United,” Hunt said.
“It will be great to play in the Westfield W-League alongside girls that I have played with at Sydney Uni or with Canberra United.
“I’m also excited to be coached by Vicki, who I worked with at the junior national level, so I am excited to be under her guidance again. It is wonderful to be back with the club and I am really excited for the season ahead.”
Head coach Vicki Linton said she was eager to work with Hunt this Westfield W-League season.
“I worked with Clare a few years ago with the Junior Matildas and so it is nice to be reunited again here at Canberra United,” Linton said.
“She has had some good performances at NPL level after a return from injury and it will be good to see this translate to the Westfield W-League.
“She brings experience and a real presence in central defence.”
Hunt will be joined by Jessika Nash for her debut Westfield W-League season.
The 16-year-old, who captained the Junior Matildas at the 2019 AFC U16 Women’s Championship in Thailand, played every match in the heart of defence for the FNSW Institute in the NSW NPLW this season.
The talented teenager said she couldn’t wait to join Canberra United.
“I am looking forward to the season and working with Vicki at Canberra United,” Nash said. “It is a bit daunting to think of heading to Canberra at my age but I’m more excited than anything.
“I know this is the start of an exciting journey.”
Linton said she is looking forward to seeing Nash’s development over the coming months.
“This year we also welcome Jess Nash to Canberra United and to the Westfield W-League,” Linton said. “Jess has been developing her game in the Future Matildas program after strong performances as captain of the Junior Matildas in their last campaign.
“I am sure she will thrive in this environment and I look forward to working with her and seeing her development throughout the season.”
