Melbourne Victory have announced the re-signings of 15 players as they gear up for the 2024-25 Liberty A-League campaign.
CommBank Matildas Alex Chidiac and Emily Gielnik have re-committed to Victory, as has Australian legend Lydia Williams following her retirement from international football.
Also capped by the Matildas, Rachel Lowe and Beattie Goad have re-signed, along with captain Kayla Morrison, goalkeeper Courtney Newbon, defenders Laura Pickett and Rosie Curtis, midfielders, Sara D’Appolonia, Alana Murphy and forwards Ella O’Grady, Ava Briedis and Lia Privitelli.
Victory, meanwhile, confirmed the departures of Jess Nash, Kurea Okino, Tori Hansen, Jamilla Rankin and Miranda Templeman.
“We’re thrilled to be able to welcome back 15 players at this stage for the 2024-25 season as we look to build towards a successful A-League Women’s season,” said director of football John Didulica.
“Last season, we announced the full-time signings of Lydia Williams and Alex Chidiac with the latter’s contract being one of the most significant in A-League Women’s history and we’re looking to continue to build further with a strong player retention and acquisition campaign.
“The core group has tasted success at the highest level and we believe with the additions we have planned for the squad, the team will be there at the pointy end of the season competing for the Premiership and Championship.”
Chidiac returned to Melbourne and the Liberty A-League last season after a challenging loan spell at Tigres UANL in Mexico and a difficult second stint with Racing Louisville in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
The 2022-23 Julie Dolan Medallist scored twice in 14 appearances as Victory fell to Central Coast Mariners in the Elimination Final.
In her first since with Victory since 2018-19, Matildas forward Gielnik starred with eight goals as she earned an international re-call which was scuppered by an injury.
After returning to the A-Leagues from Brighton and Hove Albion, legendary goalkeeper Williams made 11 appearances in 2023-24.
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“It’s great to be back for another season and working with this amazing group of players that I believe can achieve anything they set their minds to,” said head coach Jeff Hopkins.
“We’ve retained the core of the squad that we feel as a coaching group will be able to push any team in the league and perform consistently, week-in, week-out.
“With this group and some further exciting additions and returning players we expect to have coming into the club the lead up to the season, we’re confident we’ll be able to have a team that will be balanced, well-rounded and hungry for success this season.”
