The returning skipper is determined to lead Glory back into the finals for Season 9 of the W-League.

The opening round double-header against the Western Sydney Wanderers at nib Stadium this weekend will not only mark the beginning of the much anticipated 9th W-League season, but also the long-awaited return of Captain Sam Kerr.

The forward sustained season-ending injury with a ruptured ligament in her left foot in the Round 3 clash against Brisbane Roar last season in a “freak accident”, but Kerr insists she is now fit and ready to lead the team in 2016-2017.

"I'm super excited," the Matildas striker revealed.

"I've been a bit unlucky the last few years with injuries, so hopefully this one I'm lucky and scrape through without any injuries,



"I'm feeling fit and excited," she added.

The World Cup star is more determined than ever to bring success to the club, with Kerr insisting that a “top 4 finish” is the primary goal for Bobby Despotovski’s squad.

“We’ll be disappointed if we don’t make top 4,” she said.



“The W-League is such a short season and anything can change,” the NTC product added.

The injury lay-off allowed the skipper time to focus on life outside of football momentarily, with the 23-year-old looking into furthering her studies.

"I never thought I’d be the one to study, but I think now I’ll take a look into that road and hopefully study one day,” Kerr said.

The 2016-2017 season will be Kerr’s second as captain, a role she truly relishes.

“It’s a huge honour to captain your hometown and be a captain of any team,” the 2014 W-League Premiership player stated.

“It’s a huge honour and one I don’t take lightly,” she added.

The return of the prolific goal scorer, combined with the re-signing of last seasons MGP (Most Glorious Player) American Vanessa DiBernardo and recruitment of WSNL (Women’s National Soccer League) players Arianna Romero and Alyssa Mautz, has the squad buzzing.

“We’re obviously excited,” Kerr said.

“Everyone’s fit and ready to get the season started