Brisbane Roar FC has officially announced the signing of defender Natalie Tathem for the upcoming 2026/27 Ninja A-League season, marking her return to the club where her professional journey began.

Career Overview

Hailing from Brisbane, Tathem comes back to the Roar after stints at Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory, where she made over 55 appearances in the A-Leagues and celebrated a Championship title with Victory in the 2020/21 season. Her versatility allows her to play effectively in both defensive and midfield roles, and she has also gained international experience with Salford City Lionesses prior to her recent two-year tenure at Perth Glory.

Welcoming Back a Local Talent

Head Coach Johnathan Clemente expressed his enthusiasm for Tathem's return, highlighting her leadership qualities and experience in the league. He stated, “Nat is yet another experienced leader to join the club, she has fantastic pedigree in this league and is a championship winner who can play anywhere in the defensive or midfield, most importantly she is a Brisbane local and understands what it takes to represent our club and city.”

Reflecting on her homecoming, Tathem shared her excitement, saying, “It feels incredibly special to be returning to Brisbane Roar, the club where my professional career began. After spending the last four seasons away from home playing in Melbourne, England and Perth, it feels like a real full-circle moment to return to my home club. Brisbane Roar has such a proud history and strong winning culture which makes me to pull on the Roar jersey again. I hope to bring home the experience I’ve gained over the past four years and contribute to the team’s success this season.”

The club is thrilled to welcome Natalie back and anticipates her significant contributions in the 2026/27 season.