Adelaide United have appointed midfielder Adriana Taranto as their new captain ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season.
Taranto was selected as captain following a process involving player voting and interviews, after making 20 appearances in her first season with the Reds.
New signing Tianna Harris has been appointed as vice-captain, with Paige Zois also forming part of the club’s leadership group.
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Meanwhile young goalkeeper Ilona Melegh and midfielder Sian Dewey have been handed emerging leadership roles.
Matildas midfielder Taranto helped Adelaide secure consecutive Finals appearances for the first time in Club history last season.
“To have the trust of my teammates and the coaching staff is a huge thing for me, something that I’ve always wanted, and to be able to do it at this club is super special,” Taranto said.
“Setting the intensity, the standards and showing up for each other is something that I think as a group we’ve all been able to really emphasise this year.
“It’s very much a collective thing, but a great honour for me as well.”
Harris brings international experience to the leadership group after representing Jamaica, while Zois, a former Junior Matilda, will provide another senior voice within the squad.
Melegh was named United’s 2025/26 Rising Star Award winner and earned her first senior Matildas squad selection following a breakthrough campaign in goal.
Dewey has progressed through the local pathway and Junior Matildas before establishing herself in Adelaide’s senior squad.
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Adelaide United Football Director Mitch van Gellekom said the leadership group reflected the club’s blend of local and international experience.
“This leadership group aligns perfectly with our Club’s philosophy, combining young South Australian talent who understand our roots and what Adelaide United means to its fans and city, with experienced overseas and interstate players who have represented their countries at the highest level,” van Gellekom said.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 04:Adriana Taranto of Adelaide United kicks past Lorena Baumann of the Mariners during the round 11 A-League Women match between Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium, on January 04, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
“We’re confident this group represents every player in the team and can make the impact on and off the pitch we expect from true leaders.”
Taranto said the group would share responsibility for setting standards within the squad.
“Setting the intensity, the standards and showing up for each other is something that I think as a group we’ve all been able to really emphasise this year,” she said.
“It’s very much a collective thing, but a great honour for me as well.”
Adelaide United kick off their 2026/27 Ninja A-League campaign with an away clash against Sydney FC on Sunday, October 18.
