Di Alagich to Captain Adelaide United

Canberra United are expected to announce their first round of signings on Friday.
FFA Release below

ADELAIDE UNITED ANNOUNCES MATILDA AS CAPTAIN FOR WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE

Adelaide United FC has secured former Matildas representative Di Alagich as the club’s Women’s League Captain in a major coup for the women’s game in South Australia ahead of the inaugural Westfield W-League.

The sister of former Reds defender Richie Alagich, Di is a veteran of 86 appearances with Australia’s National Women’s side having recently retired from international football back in July this year.

Adelaide United Women’s Team Coach Mike Barnett said Alagich’s signing is tremendous news for the club and the women’s squad and will be beneficial both on and off the field.

“It’s fantastic for the club to have a player the calibre of Di. She’s a great person and an icon in the game having played for the Matildas,” Barnett said.

“I’m sure she’s going to be a rock for the team and lead by example, and I think it’s great that she will be the face of Adelaide United’s women’s team.”

Alagich is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Adelaide United in the Westfield W-League and says the formation of the new league is a monumental step forward for women’s football in Australia.

“I’m really excited about the league starting. For me just retiring from the Matildas, it’s a terrific opportunity to stay in the game and there’s no better way to do that than to captain Adelaide United,” the 29 year old defender said.

“We’ve been pushing this league for a number of years and for it to eventuate, I’m just grateful that the league has been formed and that I can be a part of it, particularly playing for Adelaide.”

Alagich will be reacquainted with her brother Richie for the inaugural W-League as Richie takes on the role as Assistant Coach of the squad.

“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Richie. It’s amazing how things work out and I can’t wait to be involved in the club’s Women’s League setup,” Di said.

Having played in three World Cups, two Asian Cups and two Olympic Games, Di Alagich will bring a wealth of experience to The Reds’ women’s squad.

“Her experience at the top level will certainly be invaluable and I’m sure she will help the younger players perform at a national league level and ensure the team is competitive this season,” Barnett said.

Currently residing and working in Sydney, Alagich will only be meet up the team on match days, but Barnett is hopeful that she will be able train with the squad at least once prior to each match.

“She’s got employment in Sydney which will continue for this season and then perhaps once the season is finished, we’ll try and look at a more permanent setup here in Adelaide. Hopefully she will be able to come in the day before the game and have a session with the squad but it will just depend on the schedule for the games,” Barnett said.

In addition to Alagich’s signing, Adelaide United also announced its first Adelaide based player, securing Matilda’s striker Vicki Balomenos.

“She’s a great little striker, she’s got a fantastic attitude and is currently part of the Matildas squad,” Barnett said of Balomenos.

“She’s going to be an asset to the team and I’m sure she will lead by example and be the point of our attack.”

The Westfield W-League kicks off on October 25.

Di ALAGICH
Born 12 May 1979
Position Defender

Clubs played for include
Port Adelaide (SA), West Adelaide (SA), Adelaide Sensation/SASI (Australia), San Jose CyberRays (USA)

Representative Honours
1995-2008 Qantas Matildas (86 appearances)

Additional Information
Started in every Qantas Matildas World Cup and Olympic Games match from 1999-2007
Played in 1999 World Cup (USA)
Awarded AIS football scholarship (1999)
Made her international debut in the opening match of the 1995 US Women's Cup, aged just 16
Member of Australian Under 19’s (1995)
Captain Australian Under 16’s v New Zealand (1995)