Melbourne City have snapped up promising defender Winonah Heatley ahead of the A-League Women season.
Heatley joins City after a stint at Swedish club Vaxjo DFF but previously played 16 games, scoring one goal, for Brisbane Roar.
The 20-year-old was called into the Matildas squad for the first time in September ahead of a friendly against the Republic of Ireland but is yet to make her national team debut.
“I’ve always admired City for their style of play and for the professionalism that’s ingrained in the club, so I’m very excited to now be a part of it,” Heatley said.
“I’ve always heard a lot of good things about the way City is run and the unity between both the men’s and women’s teams.
“City is a club that provides player support, resources and facilities at a level that the other A-Leagues clubs aspire to.”
City, who open their season against Canberra on Friday, have recruited heavily as they attempt to bounce back from missing the finals last season.
Heatley’s former Roar teammate Leticia McKenna, former Newcastle playmaker Rhianna Pollicina and New Zealand striker Hannah Wilkinson are also among among City’s recruits.
“Her versatility across defence will be a big asset for us this season and provides our squad with plenty of depth,” coach Rado Vidosic said.
“She’s been impressive in training so far and despite the fact she is just 20-years-old, she already has plenty of experience both here in the A-League Women, as well as overseas and as part of the Matildas set-up.”
