Adelaide United is proud to announce Adriana Taranto as captain of its A-League Women’s side for the 2026/27 season.
Taranto will be supported by vice-captain Tianna Harris and leadership group member Paige Zois, with Ilona Melegh and Sian Dewey taking on emerging leadership roles.
Selected through a process involving player voting and interviews, Taranto’s appointment reflects the trust she has earned from her teammates and coaching staff.
“To have the trust of my teammates and the coaching staff is a huge thing for me, something that I’ve always wanted, and to be able to do it at this club is super special,” Taranto said.
The Matildas midfielder made 20 appearances in her first season in red, helping United secure consecutive Finals appearances for the first time in Club history.
Jamaican international Harris brings experience across North America and Europe, with the defender quickly earning the respect of her new teammates.
Former Junior Matilda Zois adds composure, technical quality and a strong competitive edge, with her maturity and character making her a valuable voice within the group.
The emerging leadership appointments recognise two promising South Australians. Melegh earned United’s 2025/26 Rising Star Award and her first senior Matildas squad selection following a breakthrough season in goal, while Dewey has progressed through the local pathway and Junior Matildas into an established role with the Reds.
Adelaide United Football Director, Mitch van Gellekom, said the appointments reflected the Club’s identity and ambition.
“This leadership group aligns perfectly with our Club’s philosophy, combining young South Australian talent who understand our roots and what Adelaide United means to its fans and city, with experienced overseas and interstate players who have represented their countries at the highest level,” van Gellekom said.
“We’re confident this group represents every player in the team and can make the impact on and off the pitch we expect from true leaders.”
For Taranto, the focus is on shared responsibility and setting standards every day.
“Setting the intensity, the standards and showing up for each other is something that I think as a group we’ve all been able to really emphasise this year,” she said.
“It’s very much a collective thing, but a great honour for me as well.”
