For Adriana Taranto, being named Adelaide United captain is something she has always wanted. But the responsibility starts with something simple: showing up for her teammates.
Whether it is lifting the intensity at training, speaking up when the group needs support or recognising that someone has come into an early session after a long day at work, the midfielder wants to lead with an understanding of the people around her.
Trusted by her teammates and coaching staff to captain the Reds for the 2026/27 A-League Women season, Taranto says the appointment carries real meaning.
“It’s a very special thing that I don’t take lightly at all,” she said.
“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.”
Asked why she thought she had been chosen, Taranto’s first response was a little less serious.
“If you ask the girls, probably because I talk too much. If you ask Theo, probably because I complain too much,” she laughed.
Behind the humour is a player who cares deeply about her teammates and is comfortable being their voice.
Taranto sees her connection with Head Coach Theo Tsiounis and his staff as an important part of the role, helping ensure there is clear communication throughout the squad.
“When things maybe aren’t going well or there are things that I think we need as a team, I’m the first one to put my hand up and say something and make sure the girls get what they need,” she said.
For the new skipper, that care goes hand in hand with accountability.
Her non-negotiables are effort, intensity and a willingness to contribute whatever each player has to give that day. She understands that looking after those standards also means recognising the demands players carry outside football.
“Sometimes we’re coming from work or we’ve worked long hours and we’re there early in the morning and maybe you’re not feeling 100 per cent, but giving what you have that day is something that we really push at training,” Taranto said.
“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.”
Already, she can see those expectations taking hold.
The opening weeks of pre-season have brought an encouraging level of commitment, with players embracing the standards being established together.
There is also a growing sense of connection at Playford, where sharing a training base with the wider Club has helped the squad feel at home.
“It’s just so nice to be able to come to training, see staff members, people from the office, the boys. Everyone’s kind of in one place, which feels really nice,” she said.
Taranto is equally enthusiastic about the personalities alongside her in the leadership group.
Vice-captain Tianna Harris has quickly become someone she feels comfortable with, while Paige Zois and emerging leaders Ilona Melegh and Sian Dewey bring energy, strong voices and plenty of humour.
“They bring a different vibe, which I really like, and kind of keep me on my toes. Illy does for sure, which I love,” Taranto said.
“There are so many great leaders, and I think I’m a type of leader who likes to work with other people. So the fact that I’ve got them to lean on is super helpful.”
While the armband brings new responsibilities, supporters can expect the same Adriana: competitive, vocal and fully invested in the people wearing red alongside her.
“On the pitch, I’m going to be that same aggressive, loud player that I am,” she said.
“I’ve been very grateful to have a lot of great leaders in my life. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and hopefully I can bring the things that I’ve learned into this group.”
Now, with a new season approaching, her excitement is shared by the squad.
“We’re so excited, looking forward to round one, and I think this is going to be a really special one with this group.”
