Adelaide United can confirm Erin Healy, Ella Tonkin and Matilda McNamara will depart the Club to pursue opportunities in Europe.
All three players were offered new contracts by the Club however each has chosen to take the next step in their respective careers overseas, continuing a growing pathway from the Reds into European football.
The Club is proud to have played a role in the development and success of all three players and fully supports their decisions to test themselves in Europe.
Healy departs after two standout seasons in red, having joined Adelaide United in 2024 from Portuguese Women’s League side Clube de Albergaria. The 25-year-old forward made 41 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Club, establishing herself as one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players.
Her time with the Reds was a huge success, with Healy claiming the 2025 Dianne Alagich Medal, RAA Members’ A-League Women Player of the Year, the 2026 A-League Women Golden Boot, and the 2026 Red Army A-League Women Player of the Year.
Erin said: “I am incredibly grateful for my time at this club. Over the past two years, I’ve grown tremendously as both a player and a person, and I’m thankful for every opportunity I was given along the way,” she said.
“This club welcomed me from day one and truly became a home away from home. I’ll always cherish the memories and relationships I’ve built here, and I wish the club nothing but success in the future.”
Tonkin also leaves the Club for Europe after becoming one of Adelaide United’s most consistent and respected performers. The 23-year-old defender joined the Reds in 2019 from the Football SA NTC program and went on to make 84 appearances, scoring five goals.
A product of South Australia’s elite pathway, Tonkin’s development has been a source of pride for the Club. She was voted A-League Women Player’s Player in both 2025 and 2026 after playing every single minute of both campaigns. She then went on to cap off her final season by winning the 2026 Dianne Alagich Medal.
Ella said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of this incredible club. To represent the badge of your hometown is something special and I’ve made memories I will cherish forever. I want to say a huge thank you to all my teammates and the staff that have helped me develop as a player and person over the years.”
“I can truly say I’ve made friends for life. Adelaide United will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll continue to follow along with admiration as I take this next step in my journey. I love you, reds.”
McNamara departs Adelaide United after a significant tenure with the Club, having first signed in 2015. The 27-year-old defender made 77 appearances and scored five goals, becoming a strong presence on and off the pitch across multiple seasons.
Matilda said: “I’m so grateful and proud to have played for this club and thank them so much for every opportunity they have given me. Whilst sad to be leaving, it’s the right time for a new challenge and look forward to what the next chapter holds.”
Adelaide United can confirm McNamara will depart for an undisclosed fee as the defender was contracted.
Adelaide United Football Director, Mitch van Gellekom, said the Club was proud to see all three players take the next step in their careers.
“Erin, Ella and Matilda have all made outstanding contributions to Adelaide United and we thank them for everything they have given to the Club,” van Gellekom said.
“As a Club, we want to be a genuine pathway for players to develop, perform, and earn opportunities at the highest level. Seeing players take that next step into Europe is something we should be proud of, even when it means saying goodbye.
“We wish Erin, Ella and Matilda every success in this next chapter, and they will always be part of the Adelaide United family.”
The Club thanks Erin, Ella and Matilda for their service and wishes them all the very best for their moves to Europe.
