Sydney FC have secured the services of Westfield Matildas’ all-time leading goalscorer and co-Captain Lisa De Vanna for the Westfield W-League 2017/18 season.
De Vanna joins the Sky Blues as one of the most heralded and decorated Australian female footballers, with three Westfield W-League Championships, one Premiership, AFC Asian Cup, Julie Dolan Medal, plus a FIFA Women’s World Cup All Star Team inclusion and FFA Female Footballer of the Year award all in tow.
The Fremantle born striker is ranked third in the all-time appearances list for the national team, and boats a keen eye for goal in a move sure to excite Sydney FC Members and fans.
She was an integral part of the Matildas’ recent two game series win over Brazil, scoring a stunning 20-yard goal against the South Americans in a 2-1 win in Penrith.
The 32 year old, record goalscorer expressed her delight at joining the Sky Blues.
“I’m really excited to be representing Sydney FC this season,” she said.
“Under Ante Juric I believe the Sky Blues are capable of special things, I want to be a part of a Championship winning team, and I believe this is the right place to be for that.
“The support I have outside of football and the opportunities off the field are important reasons for making the move and I’m thankful for the people I have around me.
“I’ve played with a number of the girls at national team level so I know I’ll have no problems fitting into the side, I’m excited to get started and I can’t wait for the season ahead.”
Sydney FC Westfield W-League Head Coach Ante Juric said the signing of De Vanna was a major coup ahead of the new season.
“Lisa is a proven performer and is clearly one of Australia’s all-time greats when it comes to talent produced. More importantly for Sydney FC is that she is driven and wants to add positively to that reputation she has forged,” he said.
“I’m really pleased to have her on board at Sydney FC. I believe her signing will add valuable experience to a team that has lots of youth. These young players will no doubt look to learn from Lisa, which in turn will help the team achieve varied goals for the 2017/18 season.
“I look forward to getting Lisa in at training and working with her again, and seeing her produce her best football yet in the W-League this year.”
De Vanna becomes the latest Sky Blues signing, with more player arrivals imminent, as Sydney FC get set to kick off their Westfield W-League season at Allianz Stadium against Brisbane Roar on Friday 27 October (kick off 5:20pm) in a Hyundai A-League Westfield W-League double header.
De Vanna will begin training with the Sky Blues immediately.