As the Young Matildas prepare to depart for the AFC U/19 Women’s Championships in China, Canberra United can today announce the signing of Georgia Plessas, Amy Sayer, Georgia Boric, Clare Hunt and Karly Roestbakken.
Hunt, Boric and Roestbakken have re-signed after completing the 2016/17 season with the club, which included winning the Premiership on the final weekend of the season.
Plessas and Sayer join from Sydney University where they have played under United Head Coach Heather Garriock, whose tutelage they have also had within the Young Matildas camp.
Garriock said that Canberra United’s representation within the Youth National setup was invaluable for the youngsters, and was glowing in her praise of the two newcomers.
“Gaining experience at National Team level, especially the World Cup qualifiers prior to the W-League beginning, will only add to the experience of some of these young players,” she said.
“Amy Sayer is one of the best technical players I have seen with the ball,” Garriock added.
“Regardless of her age, her finesse on the ball is admirable, and she will learn a lot in her first season of W-League and will no doubt grow both on and off the field.
“Georgia [Plessas] has the ability to tear teams apart with her left foot and tight dribbling skills, and she will add great depth to the team.”
While Sayer will take part in her first W-League season, Plessas arrives with prior experience having played with Sydney FC in 2014/15 and Western Sydney Wanderers in Season nine.
Hunt, Boric and Roestbakken all return after being part of the Premiership winning Canberra United squad in Season Nine, with Roestbakken producing one of the season’s great moments as she scored the winner against Melbourne City in December at just 15 years old.
Hunt deputised well when she was called upon due to injuries to Ellie Brush and Emma Checker during the season, earning herself a Young Matildas call up in 2017 as a result of strong performances.
“Clare will be crucial for CU at centre back this season,” she said.
“Her one-on- one defending is exceptional along with her aggressive behaviours both on and off the ball.
“Clare has been injured for a few months now and we look forward to getting her back on the field after the first few games.”
“Bozza [Boric] has improved since last season and will push Hayley for the number one spot; her attitude and work ethic are exceptional.”
The youngsters will join up with the side when they return from China, and will be ready to make a big impact after gathering more international experience.
Goalkeepers: Haley Kopmeyer, Georgia Boric
Defenders: Clare Hunt, Laura Bassett, Ellie Carpenter
Midfielders: Georgia Plessas, Laura Hughes, Karly Roestbakken, Grace Maher, Liana Danaskos
Forwards: Ashleigh Sykes, Michelle Heyman, Nicki Flannery
