Hume City sign former A-League defender Mason Tatafu in mid-season transfer window

Former Perth Glory defender Mason Tatafu has signed with Hume City FC until the end of the 2025 National Premier League Victoria season as the club’s first signing of the mid-year transfer window.

The 23-year-old brings plenty of experience to Broadmeadows, 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 where he thrived as a centre back, Tatafu’s good form saw him deservedly promoted to the West Australian team’s senior squad, where he remarkably made his official 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 will be eligible to make his Hume City debut as part of senior squad’s visit to South Melbourne on Friday 27 June.

QUOTES

Mason Tatafu
Hume City FC Defender

“I’m very happy to sign with Hume City FC. 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,” Tatafu 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 and Nick 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.

Joining a club mid season is a unique challenge but I think in terms of goal setting it’s best to focus on each game as it comes.

“As of right now, I just want to help the team in any way I can, and I think the best way to do that is to focus on each game individually and try to win.”

Nick Hegarty
Senior Coach

“We are very excited to have Mason join Hume City FC for the remainder of the 2025 season and we feel he is a very fantastic addition to the club in its pursuit of making the finals,” Hegarty said.

“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.

“I am looking forward to seeing what he can do in the red and white of Hume City for the rest of the season.”