Galaxy United’s squad preparations continued in recent times with two new signings, a youth promotion, and multiple re-signings.
Coby McInerney and Jasmine Arezzolo will be new recruits on the coast in 2017, Emanuella Fierro is a graduate from the club’s U18s side, while Britt Elsen, Amelia Spiranovic, Aneta Komijat and Kelsey Quinn have all re-committed for the 2017 NPLW season.
McInerney was part of the NTC last season, was chosen in the national NTC Challenge select, and was Melbourne City Development program. The defender’s move comes due to family reasons to be closer to home.
“I am thrilled to be joining Galaxy United for the up and coming season,” the former Surf Coast FC product said. “I am looking forward to being a part of the club as well as working with Vince and all the staff at the club. I am eager to get to know all the girls as well as joining past team mates”.
Jasmine Arezzolo, who originally played in Northern Territory’s NTC, took out WPL championship honors with South Melbourne in 2015.
She featured for the Victorian NTC in 2016, before also being snapped up by Vincenzo Ierardo for the 2017, reuniting with NTC teammate McInerney.
Meanwhile, Fierro’s standout U18 campaign saw her impress Ierardo, rewarded with numerous senior team callups.
“‘Wella’s’ signing to the senior roster is a club statement of intent that if you work hard and do all the right things on and off the park you will be rewarded,” Ierardo said of the former South Melbourne junior.
Of the re-signings, Elsen contributed four goals to Galaxy’s cause last campaign.
The local and former North Geelong player said she was “looking forward to the season ahead and continuing to build on what we have achieved to date.”
Amelia Spiranovic followed her sister Laura in recommitting for 2017.
Despite an injury-interrupted season, Ierardo lauded Spiranovic for a “fantastic attitude and willingness to work hard for the team”.
The experienced Aneta Komijat netted twice in a season that saw her utilised in various roles by Ierardo.
The former Heidelberg United, Altona Magic and Cairnlea FC player settled well into her new surrounds, contributing two goals in 2016.
“Aneta has had a solid season. She has played many roles in the team this season. Her attitude is fantastic and she is a hard worker who never complains. She does a job for the team and I’m glad to have her on board”.
Goalkeeper Quinn is the latest to re-commit to the club after an embattled NPLW campaign which saw her miss games through injury.
The American signalled her delight at committing her future to the club and has spoken wonders about the culture within the team.
“I am excited to re-sign for Galaxy for the 2017 season, not only was last years team a top competitor within the league we had a lot of success with a great group of girls,”she said.
“The club has created a family atmosphere which made it so enjoyable. I am honoured to wear that galaxy logo once again and cannot wait for the season to start”.
“Kelsey had a great start to the season last year with some solid performances,” Ierardo added.
“Unfortunately she had minor surgery mid season but returned in time for finals football. It’s great having two quality goalkeepers in the squad”.
13 players have now committed to the 2017 season at Galaxy United; Melissa and Adriana Taranto, Whitney Knight, Kariah White, Caitlin Pickett and Emily Kenshole have also made early commitments to re-join Vincenzo Ierardo’s squad for next year as the club looks to go one better than its grand final finish in 2016.
Komijat, Tay, Pickett and Kenshole were recently victorious in the Bass Strait Cup against Tasmania – Pickett in particular impressing with another goal on a big stage.