Brisbane Roar has welcomed another experienced Queenslander back into its A-League Women’s squad with Natalie Tathem returning to her hometown team.
Tathem, 25, returns to the Roar for her fifth season in orange following a stint with Grand Final winners Melbourne Victory.
The versatile defender or midfielder enjoyed Premiership success in Brisbane in 2017/18 and now reunites with Head Coach Garrath McPherson, who was an assistant to Mel Andreatta at that time.
“I’m super pumped to be back. It’s home being here, which is nice,” Tathem said.
“I only left last year for a new experience, a new challenge.
“This year, coming back from injury, I think it’s going to be better to be around the people I know, and know that I’m supported and at home, and in a familiar environment.
“It’s home to be at the Roar.”
Though her time in Melbourne was impacted by a Round 1 injury, Tathem has now been part of two successful squads at the top level and looks forward to sharing her wisdom with younger team-mates.
“I think being involved with that Premiership-winning team four years ago, and even last year being around those girls through to the Championship, I’ve been around enough teams now to know what it takes to get to that end product,” she said.
“That’s what everyone wants.
“I think I’m going to be able to help the younger girls and new girls bring that winning mentality, that intensity you need every session, the one-percenters to put in to get us, hopefully, to the Grand Final.”
McPherson said: “It’s awesome to have another Queenslander return home for the season.
“Nat brings experience, leadership and positivity to our team. She is another player who was developed in Queensland and made her debut at the top level for Brisbane.
“I have admired her dedication and love for the game that has been on show as she returns from the injury she sustained last season.”
