Adriana Taranto says there is a fresh energy around Adelaide United’s A-League Women squad as the Reds return to pre-season ready to embrace a new challenge.
The group was back on the pitch this week to begin preparations for the 2026/27 campaign, with Taranto immediately impressed by the condition and enthusiasm of her teammates.
“The girls have come in looking so fit, the energy’s been great and it’s a really good vibe.
“I’m really looking forward to the rest of pre-season and Round One.”
There is a different look to the Reds this season, with several new faces joining the group as the Club enters a new chapter.
Young Matildas Claudia Cicco, India Breier and Kiera Meyers have joined the squad, alongside American forward Tessa Salvestrin, bringing a mix of youth, versatility and international experience to Adelaide.
For Taranto, the changes have brought a sense of excitement around what the group can build together.
“There’s been a little bit of change over the off-season, and I think the Club’s heading in a new direction and a really nice one,” she said.
“We’ve got a young group, but a really vibrant group, full of energy.”
Another significant change is the Women’s program now operating from Playford, bringing players and staff from across the Club together at one home base.
Taranto believes that environment can have a major impact on the squad.
“I think it’s massive,” she said.
“Having a home base is really important. Somewhere where there’s one place that you go, everything’s there and somewhere that’s kind of just yours and feels like home.
“Day one, it’s already felt like that.
“The boys are there, the staff’s there, you can kind of bounce off each other, and it’s just really nice. It feels like one Club.”
After establishing herself as an important part of the side last season, Taranto is also ready to take on greater responsibility within a youthful Reds group.
Whether through her voice in the dressing room or her actions on the pitch, the midfielder says she would relish the opportunity to step into a leadership role.
“I think I’ll naturally step into that role, whether it’s leading by example on the field,” Taranto said.
“I seem to talk a lot, I’m told, so I would love to be that for the girls if that’s something that happens.
“I would be honoured to do that and fill those shoes.”
Taranto is equally encouraged by the leadership emerging throughout the wider squad.
“There are a lot of leaders in the team as well,” she said.
“A lot of people are looking to step up and lead out on the pitch.”
After spending her break back home in Melbourne, Taranto returned to South Australia refreshed and ready to get to work.
And after a season in Adelaide, the city is increasingly starting to feel like home.
“Definitely getting used to it,” she said.
“Now that I’m a bit more familiar with my surroundings, it is feeling a little bit more like home.”
With pre-season only just beginning, Taranto knows there is plenty of work still ahead.
But the early signs have given her plenty of confidence.
“The girls have just come in fit and ready,” she said.
“For us, the aspirations are making finals, finishing first, all those things, and just playing good football.”
