Ninja A-League preview: Adelaide United undergo squad overhaul after historic back-to-back Finals | OneFootball

The longest off-season in the world is nearly over. The Ninja A-League gets underway on Saturday, 17th October.

If you need a catch up on what’s been happening since Melbourne City lifted the title back in May, fear not. Her Football Hub has got you covered.

Here’s our club-by-club preview, and like all good alphabetical previews, we’re starting with A.

Adelaide United 2026/27 A-League preview

Manager: Theo Tsiounis

Last season finish: 5th

Finals Series: Elimination Final

Last season saw the Reds claim back-to-back Finals appearances for the first time in club history as Theo Tsiounis built on the work of predecessor Adrian Stenta in his first season at the helm.

However, the news in May that the club would be implementing sweeping cost-cutting measures has seen the majority of the squad depart in the off-season.

The experienced core of Zoe Tolland, Matilda McNamara, Ella Tonkin, Emily Condon, Erin Healy, Dylan Holmes and captain Izzy Hodgson have all moved on from Coopers Stadium.

Add in Fiona Worts who left for South Korea in March and suddenly, the Reds look light on experience.

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Rebuilding with experienced youth

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Adelaide have opted for a mixture of youth and what they hope will prove to be shrewd overseas arrivals.

Young Matildas pair India Breier and Kiera Meyers have joined. Breier, 20, joins from Newcastle Jets, having spent the past two seasons in the Hunter.

American-born midfielder Meyers has signed from Brisbane Roar where she made 21 appearances last season.

Claudia Cicco has followed Breier from Newcastle to Adelaide. The 22-year-old defender arrives with plenty of experience under her belt, following stints with the Jets and Wellington Phoenix. 

Among the overseas signings are Jamaican international defender Tianna Harris and American duo Bella Yakel and Tessa Salvestrin.

United will be hoping the experience of Harris in the French top flight with FC Fleury 91 and also in the Portuguese top tier with SF Damaiense — who she signed for Adelaide from — will help anchor the backline.

Yakel, another defender, has signed her first professional contract in South Australia having completed her collegiate career with the Texas A&M Aggies.

Tsiounis will be hoping Salvestrin will be able to fill the goalscoring void left by Worts. The American joins from SCU Torreense in the Portuguese top flight.

The season ahead for Adelaide United

This season looks to be a step into the unknown for Adelaide. An experienced, settled squad has seen a radical overhaul. 

If they’re to repeat the achievements of the past two seasons and make Finals again, United will have to hit the ground running.

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