Central Coast Mariners have added pace to their attack ahead of the 2026-27 Ninja A-League Women season with the signing of 19-year-old winger Fiorina Iaria, recently crowned the 2026 NPLW Victoria Rising Star.
Iaria joins the Mariners following a stellar season with Victorian side Preston Lions, having left Melbourne Victory during the mid-season transfer window. She signed her first professional contract with Victory in September 2025 and was part of the club’s A-League Women squad for the 2025-26 season.
The Shepparton-born forward progressed through the Goulburn Valley Suns pathway and Calder United, debuting for Calder’s senior women’s side as a 16-year-old and earning a Young Matildas camp selection in 2023. After moving to Melbourne in February 2025, she scored seven goals for the Football Victoria Academy and was named in the 2025 NPLW Victoria Team of the Season.
Iaria’s 2026 included four goals in Melbourne Victory’s win over Melbourne City in the first NPLW Melbourne Derby. She went on to finish the season at Preston Lions, and received the Rising Star award at the Victorian Football Gala on 24 September.
“Fi did really well when she came in” said Director of Women’s Football Matteo Maiorana.
“She’s only young, but she really caught Heff’s eye and the fact that she knocked back other offers to sign for us, shows we are providing a great environment for the girls.”
“Not only is she a talented player but a great young lady, so she fits the profile of who we are trying to bring into the club.”
Quick and capable of playing on either flank, Iaria adds a fresh attacking option to the Mariners’ squad as it prepares for the season opener away to Brisbane Roar this Saturday, 17 October.
