Westfield Matilda Aivi Luik is poised to make her Perth Glory debut tomorrow against Newcastle Jets at Wanderers Oval in Broadmeadow.
Westfield Matilda Aivi Luik is poised to make her Perth Glory debut tomorrow against Newcastle Jets at Wanderers Oval in Broadmeadow.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been plagued with hamstring tendonosis since mid-2012 and has been in full training with the team for the last five sessions.
“It-s (the injury) because I-ve been travelling from the last Westfield W-League season straight off to Europe, straight back into America and just the last few years without taking a proper break,” said Luik.
“It-s been a long time coming, my last game was on the 12th of June, so about five months since I-ve actually played a game, so I-m excited.
“I-m hoping to get through a half, but we-ll see how it goes. The energy is definitely there and I-ve been sick and tired of sitting in the change room doing nothing, so hopefully we can get a win, goals will be amazing of course, but yes definitely very excited.”
Tomorrow-s match will also mark the return of Lisa De Vanna to the Perth Glory team after joining from Swedish giants Linköpings FC. De Vanna played the first two W-League seasons with the Glory before spending time with Brisbane Roar and tomorrow-s opponents, Newcastle Jets.
Luik knows De Vanna well from the Matildas set-up and during their spell as teammates at Brisbane.
“We definitely have a lot to prove,” said Luik.
“She-s (De Vanna) coming her Swedish season straight into this season so she-ll be fit and raring to go, but hopefully overall the team morale will be high.
“I-m excited to be playing with her again and hopefully I can get her some goals this weekend.”
The Glory is looking to get back to winnings ways after slipping to a shock 2-0 loss to new side Western Sydney Wanderers last Saturday.
Newcastle Jets Women v Perth Glory Women
Saturday 10 November, 2012
Wanderers Oval, Broadmeadow
Kick-off: 1.30pm (Perth time)
Perth Glory squad: 1. Carly TELFORD (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 14. Collette MCCALLUM (c), 15. Liz MILNE, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk)
**Three to be omitted**
Ins:7. Aivi LUIK (Return from injury), 11. Lisa DE VANNA (Signed from Linköpings FC), Thia Eastman (promoted).
Unavailable:Kirri Bolton – Hip – 1 week, Jaymee Gibbons – Knee – 2 weeks.
