Matildas co-captain Lisa De Vanna has agreed to terms with fledgling W-League outfit Melbourne City ahead of the 2015/16 season.
After leading Australia to a quarter-final berth at the Women’s World Cup in Canada, the 30-year-old striker arrives at the club as their inaugural signing.
Widely regarded as one of soccer’s best female players, De Vanna has represented Australia at three World Cups and the 2004 Athens Olympics.
“We are very proud and honoured to have Lisa as our first W-League player,” City coach Joe Montemurro said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“We all know what Lisa has achieved as a Matilda and to have a player of her stature come to Melbourne City FC in its inaugural season is something the whole club is excited about.
“Lisa has played a large part in the rise of women’s football in this country and to have her on board means we can build towards creating a competitive side in this year’s W-League.”
De Vanna said she was relishing the prospect of “an exciting new challenge”.
“Joe approached me a few months ago about playing for city and invited me to come and visit the City Football Academy,” she said.
“After 10 minutes of being there I was sold to the idea of playing for city. It’s a great opportunity and I’m quite honoured to be part of it.”
After winning her 100th international cap in Australia’s opening World Cup match last month, De Vanna’s goal in the 3-1 defeat to eventual winners USA saw her become the first Australian female to score at three consecutive World Cups.
MatthewSkellett
Guest
Anyone seen the new 'broadcast deal' for the w-league? One game broadcast live every su day before the HAL game wherever it is :-)
Waz
Guest
I'm not sure, I know it's not many that do. Of all the clubs on the HAL they should
Josh
Guest
You forgot Adelaide, Perth and Newcastle.
tom
Guest
are you sure victory runs the women team. I'm sure I read somewhere that the women team is run by victoria fedration.
Waz
Guest
Great first signing. Well done to the City Football Group, their investment in a women's team matches only 4 other clubs in having both a men's and women's senior team (Victory, SFC, Wanderers and Roar) and along with their investment in the Academy set up demonstrates a genuine commitment to the sport in Australia; they are the sort of owners we need.
Midfielder
Guest
Great to see...
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Certainly is a big coup for City and a draw card for other players
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Roar Guru
Little bit of a spanner in the works - but definitely interesting, very intrigued, loved watching her at the womens world cup