Image: Natasha Morello
New Heidelberg United coach Melissa Barbieri has wasted no time in preparing her squad for the 2017 NPLW season, completing numerous signings and re-signings.
In come Sky Jensen and Katie Neville from Galaxy United, while Rita Mankowska, the Fonua sisters, Elly Torre and Hannah Ryan re-commit for next year.
Jensen moves back to metropolitan football after a season playing at Galaxy United, with whom she reached the NPLW grand final – matching the same feat with Boroondara Eagles in the WPL the season prior.
The former Altona defender has also previously been involved with the NTC and Melbourne Victory setup.
Neville also signs with the Bergers after a season with Galaxy.
The custodian returns to the club where she was part of the 2007 WPL premiership winning team – the club’s sole top-flight league triumph to date.
She joins Christine Fonua in the goalkeeping ranks, who along with sister Lisa has also signed on for another year.
Previous WPL goalkeeper of the year Christine had an interrupted campaign due to injury, with Barbieri and Candice Sallama deputising between the sticks in her absence.
Lisa was a regular at centre-back, where alongside Mankowska she provided a commanding presence for Bill Mihaloudis’ side that went on to claim the 2016 Team App Cup.
Former Melbourne Victory defender Mankowska also signs on following a year in which she completed a significant milestone, playing her 200th game for the club – achieving the feat after a lengthy absence due to pursuing a career off the pitch in Western Australia.
Hannah Ryan and Elly Torre are the other members of the Team App Cup-winning side to pledge their allegiance for another season.
Both are former Heidelberg youths that broke through to become first-team regulars.
Meanwhile, Bonnie Barnes won’t be returning in 2017 after dedicating time to life commitments.
A popular member of the squad, Barnes memorably scored the sealer in the cup triumph over Bulleen Lions.
The moves come as Barbieri prepares for a maiden season in coaching, looking to finalise preparations as soon as possible as Heidelberg aims to build on fifth spot and cup success in 2016.