Image: Man in the Stands
South Melbourne have made Antonia Niteros and Brittany Thomas their newest signings for the 2017 season, while also re-signing Natalie Martineau for another campaign at Lakeside.
The versatile Niteros formed one half of Southern United’s main centre-back pairing with Anouk Meereboer in 2016, where despite early struggles the new consortium improved results and performances at the back end of the season.
She was then selected in the Bass Strait Cup squad that successfully saw off their Tasmanian counterparts to claim the cup.
Niteros had previously spent two seasons with Casey Comets in the WPL era, where in 2015 she was also deployed up front by coach Ian Williamson, netting four times.
Prior to that Niteros had also spent time at Ashburton United, where she made her WPL debut in 2009 and spent until 2013 at the club.
“South has always been a club that I have admired due to their professionalism of both the players and the club itself,” Niteros told smfc.com.au.
“It has been an environment that I’ve personally aspired to be a part of and felt right at home during my first pre-season session. I am looking forward to playing with a great group of girls and playing under a great coach in Soc, who has great vision for the team and the club”.
Thomas returns to South Melbourne after four seasons away from the club, having spent time at both Bulleen Lions, Ashburton United and Alamein FC.
The forward netted a hat-trick amongst her four goals in the 2016 NPLW Victoria season, having scored 13 times in two season for Ashburton, all under the stewardship of Sinisa Cohadzic.
“It is wonderful opportunity to have Brittany return to South Melbourne after all these years. She is a very experienced player having been at the top level of Victorian Women’s football for five consecutive years at four different clubs,” she said.
“Her background, maturity and experience will bring a lot to the squad both on and off the pitch. Her attacking prowess and skills in the final third will suit the attacking style of play South Melbourne is known for”.
The pair join Tiff Eliadis – who returns to former club South – and W-League regular Alex Gummer as new additions at Lakeside Stadium.
Meanwhile, Natalie Martineau has also re-committed for the 2017 season as South aims for a fourth Premiership in as many years.
Martineau has seen silverware in all her seasons since 2014 at the club, starring that year as she scored the winner for Matt Maslak’s side in the Grand Final win over Heidelberg United.
She was crowned the 2016 Best and Fairest in South Melbourne’s State League One winning season and is relishing the return to the top-flight of Victorian football.
“Just like all the girls, I am excited that we are now back in the top flight of Victorian Football and where we belong,” Martineau said.
“This year was a difficult season, but we enjoyed every minute of it, including the increased exposure through the Club’s media team and transitioning into becoming one club. With this behind us and the fact we are now in the NPL, we all can’t wait to get started for what we believe is going to be a huge season.”