Outspoken Matildas great Lisa De Vanna will chase another A-League Women’s title after signing with hometown club Perth Glory for the 2021-22 season.
The 37-year-old left Australian football reeling in October after alleging she suffered same-sex sexual harassment, abuse and bullying during her decorated 150-game international career between 2001 and 2019.
Those allegations have led to the formation of an independent complaint management process to be managed by Sport Integrity Australia.
De Vanna’s storied career looked over when she left reigning champions Melbourne Victory in September, saying she was “walking away from football” in a subsequent interview with ESPN.
Lured back to the game by Glory owner Tony Sage, De Vanna will now go on a third stint with the club as she chases a sixth A-League Women’s championship.
“I only very recently decided to get back on board,” De Vanna said.
“(Head coach) Alex Epakis has created a safe, supportive environment and Tony Sage showed me great respect by going out of his way to meet me in person, which I really appreciated and am grateful for.
“Alex has put no pressure or expectation on me; just for me to fall in love with the game again.
“I started my career here and now I want to give back to the family, friends and fans who have supported me all the way along my football journey.”
The Glory, who have never won an A-League Women’s championship despite three grand final appearances, begin their season on December 4 against Brisbane Roar.
