Melina Ayres is returning to Melbourne City almost a decade after making her professional debut with the club, signing a two-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season.
The 27-year-old was a member of City’s inaugural Women’s squad in 2015 and scored in the club’s first-ever match, a 6-0 win over Sydney FC.
Ayres made 16 appearances during her first stint with City, helping the club secure an undefeated Premiership and Championship double in its inaugural season before adding another Championship the following campaign.
TRANSFER CENTRE: Ninja A-League 2026/27 Transfer Centre: Your club’s moves
She returns to City after spells with Melbourne Victory, Icelandic club Breiðablik and, most recently, Newcastle Jets.
“I’m excited to be returning to the Club who first put their faith in me and gave me my start in the W-League,” Ayres said.
“I have some incredible memories from those first two seasons, and I’m really excited to get the opportunity to return to City.
“The standards the group has set over the past few seasons speak for themselves, and I can’t wait to be part of this next chapter.
“I’m excited to get to work, reconnect with the fans and hopefully bring more success to the Club.”
Ayres has scored 44 goals in 116 Ninja A-League appearances, putting her equal eighth on the competition’s all-time goalscoring list.
Her form during the 2025/26 season earned her selection in the A-League All Stars squad for Wednesday night’s clash with Chelsea, where she featured alongside five of her new City teammates.
Ayres becomes City’s second signing of the off-season following the arrival of Matildas forward Cortnee Vine earlier this week.
TRANSFER NEWS:
Sydney FC sign ‘exceptional’ goalscorer ahead of 26/27 campaign
Wellington Phoenix confirm departure of midfielder Macey Fraser
Phoenix make statement signing as Yallop joins after emotional Roar exit
The move also strengthens Michael Matricciani’s squad ahead of a third consecutive AFC Women’s Champions League campaign, with City coming off a Premiership and Championship-winning 2025/26 season.
Melbourne City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said the club was delighted to bring Ayres back to Melbourne.
“Melina’s return is a special one for our football club,” Petrillo said.
“She played an important role in the early success of our Women’s program, and she is one of the competition’s most consistent and dangerous attacking players.
“Her experience, goalscoring ability and understanding of what it takes to succeed will be a valuable addition to our squad, and we’re excited to welcome her back to Melbourne City.”
