Reds Rundown: ALW Season Preview

We’re returning for our 2025/26 Ninja A-League Women’s campaign off the back of last season’s record-breaking run.

How we start

We begin against the reigning Champions, Central Coast Mariners in Gosford before returning to home soil for Round 2 against Sydney FC at ServiceFM Stadium.

DON’T MISS OUR FIRST HOME GAME AGAINST SYDNEY FC! Click here to get your tickets!

Round 3 sees us host Canberra United before an extended break thanks to a rescheduled Round 4 clash, a bye, and then international break. We return for our first Double Header of the season at Coopers Stadium on 7 December against Brisbane Roar.

Pre-Season Friendlies

18 October: Melbourne Victory 1-1 Adelaide United
- Goals: Dylan Holmes
16 October: Melbourne City 0-1 Adelaide United
- Goals: Gracen Blieschke
20 September: Apex Steel WNPL SA All-Stars 1-2 Adelaide United
- Goals: Emilia Makris, Emily Condon.

Our Squad

We’ve bolstered our record-breaking squad with upcoming youth talent as well as seasoned A-League veterans.

GOALKEEPERS: 18. Amelie MILLAR, 21. Claudia JENKINS, 30. Ilona MELEGH

DEFENDERS: 2. Emily HODGSON, 3. Matilda MCNAMARA, 4. Holly MURRAY, 11. Isabel HODGSON, 13. Ella TONKIN, 17. Zoe TOLLAND.

MIDFIELDERS: 5. Sarah MORGAN, 6. Melissa TARANTO, 8. Emily CONDON, 9. Paige ZOIS, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Dylan HOLMES, 27. Sian DEWEY.

ATTACKERS: 7. Emilia MAKRIS, 10. Chelsie DAWBER, 12. Carina ROSSI, 19. Katie BOWLER, 22. Erin HEALY, 23. Fiona WORTS, 25. Lara GOOCH.

Changing of the Guard

Theo Tsiounis has been appointed as the Club’s A-League Women’s Head Coach on a two year, full-time deal, with an option to extend following Adrian Stenta’s transition into the Men’s program. Tsiounis brings over a decade of coaching experience in South Australia’s National Premier League (NPL) and State Leagues.

Maruschka Waldus joins Tsiounis’ coaching staff with her historic appointment as the Club’s first ever full-time Women’s Assistant Coach. Waldus returns to the Reds after an outstanding playing career that included 49 appearances, three goals, and winning the Club’s prestigious Dianne Alagich Medal in her debut season.

Kits that speak to South Australia

Our 2025/26 UCAN Home Kit has dropped with our usual iconic South Australian flair.

The kit draws bold inspiration from the theatrical heart of South Australia. The design is a tribute to the city’s culture, heritage, and passion for entertainment and football.

For a piece of home on the road, our 2025/26 UCAN Away Kit provides a reminder of the Adelaide streets and sky wherever we go. The light purple design is inspired by the city’s iconic summer sunsets over the coast, and the vibrant jacaranda blooms that colour our streets each spring in a tribute to the natural beauty and spirit of Adelaide.

New Faces

In a huge coup, we’ve secured the signing of twin sisters, Melissa and Adriana Taranto, on one-year deals from Western United. The 26-year-old midfielders bring a wealth of A-League Women’s experience to the Reds, ranking amongst Western United’s all-time appearance makers. Both have also represented Australia at youth level, with Adriana also making her senior Matildas debut earlier this year against Panama.

Lara Gooch joins us on a two-year deal from the Newcastle Jets. Since making her debut in 2021 at just 16, Gooch has already amassed 43 Ninja A-League appearances, quickly building a reputation as a dynamic, pace-driven talent who can change a game with her energy and creativity.

21-year-old defender, Holly Murray joins us for the season from Canberra United. Her standout performances saw her recognised as the club’s Rising Star in her debut 2022/23 season.

Composed and intelligent central midfielder, Paige Zois joins on a three-year deal from cross-border rivals, Melbourne Victory. She has already represented Australia with the Junior Matildas and now has her sights firmly set on pushing for minutes in the senior national team.

Returning Red

We’re delighted to welcome back the return of striker, Emilia Makris ahead of the 2025/26 Ninja A-League season on a three-year contract. Makris, 20, first signed with the Reds in the 2021/22 campaign after progressing through the Football SA elite pathway. She went on to make 29 appearances and score three goals during her initial stint, including a memorable debut strike against Sydney FC in November 2023 at just 18 years of age.

Future Stars

Two of Australia’s most promising young talents- Amelie Millar and Carina Rossi– have signed scholarship contracts with the Club.

Rossi, 18, joins the Reds after a standout season with Box Hill United in the NPLW Victoria, where she scored nine goals in 13 appearances, helping her side secure the 2025 Championship.

Joining her in Adelaide is 16-year-old goalkeeper, Amelie Millar, a Launceston FC product and one of Tasmania’s brightest emerging talents. Millar has represented her state at multiple youth levels, playing for Tasmania’s Under 14 and Under 15 State Teams, and captaining those sides in 2023 and 2024.