Charlton Athletic’s bold move: signing Perth Glory’s Grace Johnston

Charlton Athletic have secured the services of 21‑year‑old Perth Glory defender Grace Johnston, confirming the transfer on their official website and awarding her a two‑year contract with an option for a further year. The Addicks announced the move yesterday, marking the South Londoners’ second signing of the summer window.

Johnston arrived at Perth Glory in 2023 from the Football West National Training Centre, after spending a couple of years developing within the Australian system. She later featured for Preston Lions and Keilor Park before returning to Glory for the 2025/2026 season, demonstrating versatility across Australian clubs.

On the international stage, Johnston has represented Australia at various youth levels up to the Under‑23 side, adding pedigree to her defensive résumé.

After joining Charlton Athletic, Johnston said, “I am excited to be here and excited to get started. I am so excited, if you speak to anyone, it has been my dream to play in England. I am excited to play with and against the best players in the world. It has been a really good three years, I have been progressing each year which has been really good for my development, and it will be really good to play in some cold weather this time round.”

The signing reflects Charlton’s strategy to inject youthful energy into the squad, reinforcing the back line with a player who has both domestic and international experience.

For Charlton, Johnston provides a young, internationally‑experienced option to bolster the South London side’s defensive depth. For the Australian defender, the move offers the chance to test herself against English competition, adapt to colder weather and fulfil her ambition of playing with and against the world’s best.