Emma Checker has crossed the Melbourne Derby divide, ending a four-season stint at Melbourne City to join local rivals Melbourne Victory ahead of the 2023-24 Liberty A-League season.
Checker spent three of her four seasons at City as the club’s captain; City announced her departure on Monday, August 21, allowing the 27-year-old to complete her crosstown switch to Victory.
Capped seven times by the Matildas, Checker returns to Victory for her second stint at the club.
“I’m excited to be returning to Victory, the club that I first moved to Melbourne for back in 2013”, Checker said.
“I am looking forward to the move and being part of the new generation of Melbourne Victory, it is a project that really excites me.”
“Jeff and the squad have built a dominant force over the last couple of seasons and for me coming into that, I hope to contribute to the team getting back to the top this season.”
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Checker joins former Sydney FC midfielder Rachel Lowe in signing for Victory, while Lia Privitelli and Kayla Morrison have both re-signed ahead of the new season, joining the contracted group of Claudia Bunge, Beattie Goad, Jessika Nash and Miranda Templeman.
Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins added: “We’re thrilled to have Emma join the squad for the upcoming season,” Hopkins said.
“We know her capability as a defender and believe she will be a perfect fit for the squad.
“She’s a leader on and off the park and her experience at A-League Women’s level is invaluable.
“We’re continuing to build a squad for the upcoming season that strikes the balance between experience and up-and-coming talent but more importantly, a squad that will challenge for the Championship and we feel Emma will be an important part of this.”
