Melbourne City have re-signed stars Bryleeh Henry, Laura Hughes and Karly Roestbakken as the Liberty A-League side gear up to defend their Premiership crown while preparing for the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.
City’s Premiership-winning trio have all signed two-year contracts to remain with the Melbourne-based club, who are also looking for a new head coach after Dario Vidosic was lured to the Women’s Super League (WSL) to take charge of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Hughes was crowned City’s Player of the Year in her debut season and Roestbakken
received the inaugural Melissa Barbieri award after a strong campaign, while Henry played a key role in the team’s impressive end to 2023-24 having moved to full-back.
They join Taylor Otto (2024-25) in re-signing, while Alexia Apostolakis (2025-26) and Mariana Speckmaier (2025-26) have arrived for the upcoming season.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Laura, Karly and Bryleeh re-sign with the club. Each player
brings unique qualities and talent to our squad,” said director of football Michael Petrillo.
“Laura’s consistency in the middle of the park, Karly’s defensive strengths and composure, and Bryleeh’s versatility and athleticism have been critical to our success.
“Their commitment to the team sets a strong foundation as we prepare for the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League and upcoming A-League Women’s season.”
It was a stellar season for Hughes, with the 23-year-old flourishing in her first campaign at City having arrived from Canberra United.
“My first season at City was unforgettable and I’m so proud of what we were able to achieve
together as a team,” she said.
“Putting pen to paper was a no brainer, the professionalism of the club and the style of play here is like no other, and I can’t wait to continue developing my game as we strive for more success.”
The 2023-24 campaign was Roestbakken’s second with City and she added: “I’ve loved my time at City so far and I’m incredibly grateful to continue my football journey here.
“The support of the club, the staff and the City fans during my time here has been amazing.
“We enjoyed great success last season and with this talented group of girls, I can’t wait to continue building on that as we head into an exciting campaign.”
Henry, 21, meanwhile established herself as a key member of City’s starting XI last season and she joined Hughes in representing Australia’s Under-23 side at the recent Four Nations Tournament in Sweden.
“I’m super excited to be staying at City, a club that has the professional full-time set up that you need to be a top-class player,” said Henry.
“The support and development that I’ve received from the players, staff and club have been instrumental in my growth as a player and I want to keep building on that.
“I can’t wait to continue playing City’s unique brand of football whilst playing alongside a special group of girls. I want to become a top-class player and City is the place for me to do that.
“This season can’t come any quicker and I’m especially excited for our first AFC Women’s Champions League.”
