Hume City has added to its defence with the signing of former Perth Glory defender Mason Tatafu for the rest of the National Premier League season.
The 23-year-old brings plenty of experience to the club, having played at the top level in both Australia and Asia, as well as in the United States within the college football landscape.
Starting his career in the Perth Glory academy, Tatafu’s good form saw him promoted to the West Australian team’s senior squad, where he made his debut in the AFC Champions League before making his first A-League appearance in the opening game of the 2020-21 season.
A move to the United States in 2023 saw him join the NCAA division 1 men’s soccer championship’s Hofstra University Athletics, where he had a brilliant maiden season resulting in an all-rookie team selection and being named as the CAA rookie of the year.
The West Aussie had a further two seasons with the New York-based team before transferring to Louisville University, where he played during 2024 and the start of the 2025 season.
Following a four-year stint in the United States, Tatafu has taken up the opportunity to return to Australia, where he will play in Victoria for the first time.
Tatafu said he was looking forward to the new challenge.
“I’ve not played in NPL Victoria before, and coming over with the team as an introduction into the league is exciting – especially given the club’s history and the calibre of players they have,” he said.
“I’ve only played in the Perth NPL before and then obviously I had a bit of a stint with the A-League squad, both in the A-League and in the Asian Champions League.
“I had very positive conversations with Ersan [Gulum] and Nick [Hegarty] as well, and then came over here pretty quick.
“I played with Joseph Ford in the Perth Glory Academy, so I know automatically he’s got national experience and that he is a high-quality player. There are a few other names in the squad that all have very good experience in football both here in Australia and abroad, which was a big draw for me.”
Hegarty said they feel he is a fantastic addition to the side.
“With his experience as a defender both in Australia and in the United States, we identified Mason as a player that would add plenty of value to the team and we are confident that will have a positive impact on the side,” he said.
“I am looking forward to seeing what he can do in the red and white of Hume City for the rest of the season.”
