Perth Glory have confirmed the signing of Perth local Baxter Thew ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season.
The 27-year-old centre-back returns to her hometown after spending the 2025/26 campaign with Central Coast Mariners, where she made her Ninja A-League debut.
Thew previously represented Perth Azzurri and was a train-on player with Glory before making the move to the Mariners in 2025.
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Baxter Thew of the Mariners (R) passes the ball away during the round 20 A-League Women match between Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners
She made her league debut against Melbourne City in Round 2 and went on to make a further seven appearances as Central Coast narrowly missed out on a Finals berth.
Across her eight appearances, Thew recorded 34 clearances, blocked five shots and completed 325 passes at an 84 per cent accuracy rate.
Now returning to Perth, Thew is relishing the opportunity to represent her hometown club.
“I’m really excited to be joining Perth Glory,” she said.
“To have the chance to represent my hometown club is a special moment for me.
“I’m looking forward to working with [Head Coach] Stephen [Peters] and the coaching staff and believe this environment is the right place for me to get the most out of myself and my football.
“I’m excited to get started and connect with the team and see some familiar faces in players that I have previously played with and know well.
“Perth has such a special football community that I can’t wait to come back to.
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“I’m ready to give my all to help this club be successful and push for Finals football.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes Thew will add further strength to the club’s defence.
“Baxter knows the club well and equally, we know exactly what she’s all about,” he said.
“She’s a strong defender and an effective distributor who has worked hard on her game and now has the added benefit of a season of A-League experience under her belt.
“As a character, she’s a great fit for our group and on the field, she has proven herself as a strong performer at ALW level.
“We look forward to seeing Baxter playing her part as we drive for Finals football.”
Glory kick off their 2026/27 Ninja A-League campaign with an away trip to Newcastle Jets on the opening weekend of the new season.
