Bayside United have announced the capture of four more players for their senior list, with South Melbourne duo Marianna Anthony and Emily Heijden, NTC goalkeeper Erin Hudson and lesser known entity Bronte James all signing on for the 2016 NPLW season.
Hudson becomes the latest graduate of the Senior NTC after two seasons within the developmental squad, in which she saw plenty of game time in the 2014 season.
After starting the first game of the season, the young shot-stopper succumbed to a wrist injury early into the 2015 WPL season, which saw her starting spot usurped by goalkeeper of the year Teresa Morrissey.
She eventually made her return to playing action, and made scattered appearances off the bench in place of her counterpart.
The versatile Anthony was utilised mostly as a right back for South Melbourne throughout her two-stint with the club, which saw her play under four different coaches throughout her time at Lakeside.
A notably mobile defender, she began her WPL career similarly with the NTC – whom she also spent two seasons with – while also appearing for the Victorian State Futsal team for the 2014 and 2015 National Championships.
Team mate Heijden also joins from South Melbourne, having spent her formative years at Langwarrin Soccer Club and Sandringham Soccer Club.
The return to Bayside United marks a homecoming of sorts for Heijden, who spent her senior career split between Casey Comets and most recently South, where she played a part in two premiership winning seasons.
The signing of 17-year old James comes with the most surrounding intrigue as the forward was plucked from State League 4 to make the step up to NPLW.
She was awarded the Best and Fairest and Golden Boot awards for 2015 playing with local side East Bentleigh Soccer Club, having previously represented Victoria at various age groups in both futsal and soccer.
A natural athlete, James has also played representative cricket for Victoria as well as balancing AFL with both her other sporting commitments.
The signings takes Bayside’s squad up to a healthy seven players following the signings of Emma Robers, Angela Durston-Ryan and Emily Harbis, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Featured Image: Matt Johnson