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Adelaide United is excited to confirm defenders Emily Hodgson and Laura Johns have signed one-year contracts for the upcoming Westfield W-League season.
Hodgson, 20, made her Reds debut in 2016 and has since scored one goal in 40 appearances.
The right-back, who is capable of operating on the wing, had been with local Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) outfit West Adelaide during the offseason where she amassed 12 games, scoring three goals.
Speaking on re-signing with the Club, Hodgson, said: “It’s a great feeling to re-sign with Adelaide United.
“It’s an honour to represent my state in the W-League and I love playing in front of my family and friends each week on the national stage.
“I really want to play as many games as possible this season to try and develop my game more, playing my part in the team and helping us reach our goals collectively.”
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The Club’s Westfield W-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “We’re thrilled to have re-signed Emily.
“She is a player who provides a lot of versatility in the squad.
“Despite her age she has a lot of pedigree at W-League level and I expect her to continue her development this season and show her experience at this level week in, week out.”
Meanwhile, Johns returns to United for a fourth consecutive season having also spent the winter months with West Adelaide.
The 26-year-old left-back, who served as a vice-captain last season, played in 11 matches and has accrued a total of 38 appearances across two spells with the Reds.
After penning her new deal, Johns said: “I’m really happy to re-sign for the 2020/21 season.
“I think this upcoming campaign is going to be another good stepping stone for me in my personal development.
“With Adrian (Stenta) coming on-board as the Head Coach and already being involved over the last couple of years, he’s going to help push us all even further.
“Being involved with Adelaide United for so long now, I really want to see the Club do well and I think we’re finally ready to make that next step in the W-League.
“We’re going into this season with the intention of winning and only winning.”
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Stenta highlighted John’s qualities, saying: “Laura has grown as a person and as a player with every passing season.
“She has been fundamental to our defensive structure for a number of years and her attributes also allow her to get further forward and create attacking opportunities for the team.”
Adelaide United’s Head of Women’s Football, Ivan Karlović, added: “It’s important to have secured Emily and Laura’s signatures and build on the continuity we have started to establish within the squad.
“Both players have considerable W-League experience having been around the set-up for a while now as we look to reach our goal of playing finals football.
“Retaining the core of the squad moving into the new season will be imperative to our success with Adrian now at the helm.”
