Transfer news: Victory sign ex-Roar defender

Former Brisbane Roar defender James Donachie has agreed to terms to join Melbourne Victory for the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.

Donachie left the Roar at the end of the 2015/16 Hyundai A-League season after making 62 appearances over five seasons.

“We’re thrilled to welcome James to Melbourne Victory,” said Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.

“James is one of the most exciting defenders in the competition and he will complement our group.

“While he has already established himself in the A-League, he has a very exciting future, and we’re looking forward to him making an immediate impact for us.”

Donachie will reunite with Besart Berisha and Jason Geria, who he played with at Brisbane before they made their moves to Victory.

“I’m excited about the chance to join Victory, and I’m looking forward to getting to work when pre-season begins,” Donachie said.

“I want to establish myself as a regular in the team and continue to develop as a player.

“I feel like my best football is ahead of me, and it’s exciting to have an opportunity to play at a club like Victory.”

Besart Berisha and James Donachie.

Donachie was born and raised in Brisbane, and played his junior football in Queensland before joining the Roar’s youth program.

He made his Hyundai A-League debut in round 25 of the 2011-2012 season against Gold Coast United, and was a member of Brisbane’s Championship winning sides in the 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons.

Donachie was named Brisbane’s Foxtel National Youth League player of the year in both 2011 and 2012, and he has represented Australia at both under-20 and under-23 level.